Print

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 334 reviews

This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe features crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, paired with a fresh cabbage slaw and served on warm tortillas. A perfect blend of American and Asian flavors makes this dish vibrant, easy to prepare, and ideal for a delicious weeknight meal or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola), about ½ inch in skillet

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

For the Slaw:

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas (warmed)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: diced avocado, pickled onions, or extra chili sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the spice level according to your preference. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk to tenderize and help the coating adhere. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each shrimp in this dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure full coverage.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
  5. Toss in Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy fried shrimp with half of the prepared bang bang sauce to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling or dipping.
  6. Make the Slaw: In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Add a small handful of the slaw to each tortilla, top with bang bang shrimp, drizzle extra bang bang sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Add optional diced avocado or pickled onions if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry Shrimp Well – Pat shrimp dry before marinating to improve texture and ensure better coating adhesion.
  • Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Press the coating mixture firmly onto shrimp for an extra crispy crust.
  • Adjust the Heat – Modify sriracha quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Serve Immediately – Fried shrimp are best enjoyed hot and crispy right after cooking.
  • Make it Healthier – For a lighter version, try air frying or baking the shrimp instead of frying in oil.

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Asian Fusion, Quick Dinner, Spicy Shrimp, Homemade Taco

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/bang-bang-shrimp-tacos-recipe/