Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 teaspoons honey; 8 small flour tortillas, warmed; 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; Lime wedges for serving

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If there’s one dish guaranteed to wow a crowd and delight your taste buds, it’s Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. This fabulous fusion stars crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce, all tucked into warm tortillas with fresh crunchy toppings. Every bite delivers a punch of flavor and a surprising mix of textures—tender shrimp, creamy sauce, tangy cabbage, and a burst of citrus. Whether you’re planning date night, taco Tuesday, or a lively gathering, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are destined to become a crave-worthy staple in your kitchen.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos lies in their simple, vibrant ingredients—each one playing an irreplaceable role in creating bold flavor and irresistible crunch. Don’t skip a thing: every element matters, from the buttermilk soak for juicy shrimp to the fresh garnishes on top.

Shrimp (1 pound, medium, peeled and deveined): The true star, tender shrimp cook quickly and soak up flavor beautifully.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Makes the shrimp extra juicy and helps the coating stick for maximum crunch.
Cornstarch (1 cup): The secret to a shatteringly crisp fried crust.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings the flavors of both shrimp and sauce to life.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a smoky, peppery note and a gorgeous golden hue.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Creates the crunch, so use enough to give the shrimp a golden finish.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for the irresistible Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): Brings in sweet, tangy, and gentle spice notes.
Sriracha (1 tablespoon): For classic Asian-tinged heat—adjust to your spice preference.
Honey (2 teaspoons): Balances the fiery, savory, and sour flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Small flour tortillas (8, warmed): The soft, pillowy wrap that holds everything together.
Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (2 cups): Adds color and a delightful crunchy bite.
Chopped cilantro (1/4 cup): For a burst of herby freshness in every mouthful.
Sliced green onions (1/4 cup): Brings a mild onion kick and lovely pop of color.
Lime wedges (for serving): A final squeeze brightens and balances all the flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss your peeled, deveined shrimp into a mixing bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let the shrimp soak for about 10 minutes—this simple bath keeps them ultra moist, while the tang of the buttermilk subtly tenderizes each piece and ensures the cornstarch coating adheres.

Step 2: Dredge for Crunch

While the shrimp marinate, stir together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish. Coat each shrimp generously in the mixture, shaking off any excess—this is where all that crunch and flavor magic happens.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, gently add the coated shrimp in small batches, frying for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch for that golden crust and listen for the sizzle! Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. This is the sauce that puts Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in a league of their own—creamy, sweet, spicy, and totally addictive. Don’t be tempted to skimp on the sriracha; adjust for your ideal heat, but the kick is essential!

Step 5: Toss and Coat

Add the hot, crispy shrimp to your sauce bowl and toss everything gently until the shrimp are thoroughly coated. Every single piece should be glistening in that luscious, spicy sauce.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Lay out warmed tortillas, then start layering: a generous handful of shredded cabbage, a mound of saucy shrimp, and a flourish of cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve right away, squeezing fresh lime over each taco for that perfect finish.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

The right garnishes can truly elevate Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from delicious to downright unforgettable. Don’t skip the sprinkle of cilantro and green onions, and always serve with plenty of lime wedges—fresh citrus brightens the whole bite. For extra flair, add thin slices of jalapeño or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with vibrant sides to round out your meal. A crisp Asian slaw, avocado salad, or coconut rice provides a cooling complement to the spicy, creamy shrimp. If you’re feeling festive, try a simple mango salsa on the side—sweet and tangy profiles play beautifully with the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a fun DIY taco bar so everyone can customize their Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos just the way they like. Or, for smaller bites, pile the sauced shrimp and toppings into mini tortillas or lettuce cups—perfect for parties and potlucks. Individual taco boats or a platter with extra sauce on the side will wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the sauced shrimp and garnishes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The crispy coating will soften, but the flavors stay vibrant for up to two days.

Freezing

While most components are best fresh, you can freeze the cooked, unsauced shrimp. Let them cool completely, then pack in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. For the best results, hold off on saucing until you’re ready to serve, as the sauce doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Once reheated, toss in fresh Bang Bang sauce and assemble your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos as usual for a meal that tastes just-made.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas to keep the tacos gluten free. Also, be sure your sweet chili sauce and all condiments are labeled gluten free for complete peace of mind.

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The heat level is pleasantly moderate and customizable. If you’re heat-sensitive, cut the sriracha in the sauce by half—or, if you’re a spice lover, add a little extra or serve with sliced jalapeños on top.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet and mist with cooking spray. Bake at 425°F for 12 minutes, flipping once, for a lighter but still crispy result. This method works wonderfully for a healthier twist on Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

What else can I use instead of shrimp?

Bang Bang Tacos work with just about any protein! Try them with crispy battered chicken, tofu cubes, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying and zingy.

Can I prep any parts ahead of time?

You can shred cabbage, chop garnishes, and mix the Bang Bang sauce up to one day in advance. Fry the shrimp just before serving for maximum crunch and flavor—assemble everything at the last minute for best results.

Final Thoughts

With their perfectly crispy shrimp, creamy-spicy sauce, and fresh toppings, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are pure dinnertime joy. There’s so much deliciousness in every taco that it’s almost impossible to stop at just one. I hope you give these a try and make them a star at your next meal—they’re bound to become a household favorite!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious fusion of crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a creamy sauce, served in warm tortillas with fresh cabbage and herbs. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 teaspoons honey

For Serving:

8 small flour tortillas, warmed
2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: Place shrimp in buttermilk, let sit for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Coating: Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Fry the Shrimp: Dredge shrimp in coating, fry until crispy.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Coat the Shrimp: Toss fried shrimp in the sauce.
Assemble Tacos: Layer cabbage on tortillas, top with shrimp, cilantro, and green onions.
Serve: Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For a lighter version, bake the shrimp at 425°F for 12 minutes instead of frying.
You can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Asian-Fusion