Need a fun, feel-good dinner that doesn’t take all night? These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are just the thing—crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, wrapped in soft tortillas with crunchy slaw. They’re quick, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to pull off. Great for weeknights, casual get-togethers, or whenever you’re craving something bold and satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or just love tacos with a twist, this recipe is a keeper—easy, flexible, and seriously delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are refreshingly simple and easy to find, but each one plays a vital role in building that iconic flavor and unbeatable texture. From the golden coating on the shrimp to the punchy sauce and crispy toppings, every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Opt for medium or large shrimp; they cook up plump and juicy, perfect for tacos.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick for ultimate crispiness.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Essential for an extra-light, crispy crust that doesn’t get soggy.
- Flour (½ cup): Gives the coating structure and ensures even browning in the fry.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that makes all the difference in highlighting the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable or canola for even frying.
- Small tortillas (8): Flour or corn—choose your favorite! Warmed tortillas turn every taco into a hand-held fiesta.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (2 cups): Adds fresh crunch and keeps the tacos vibrant and light.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup, for sauce): Base of the legendary bang bang sauce, rich and creamy.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tbsp, for sauce): Brings sweet, tangy heat—the secret to that addictive flavor.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp, for sauce): Just the right kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Honey (1 tsp, for sauce): Balances the heat and pulls all the flavors together with a silky finish.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Every great taco needs a centerpiece sauce, and this one is a show-stealer! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and fully combined. You’ll want enough to drizzle over the shrimp and maybe even swipe a little extra on the tortillas. Set it aside in the fridge for the flavors to meld while you tackle the rest.
Step 2: Soak the Shrimp
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak for about 10 minutes—this quick bath not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the coating adhere for maximum crispiness later on. Now is a great time to set up your dredging station and heat your oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This blend is the secret weapon for that irresistible light crunch that defines the best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Be sure to evenly combine the dry mix so each shrimp gets a perfect coat.
Step 4: Dredge the Shrimp
One by one, take the shrimp out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in your flour mixture. Make sure each piece is completely coated for that picture-perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat about an inch of your chosen oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re beautifully golden and curled. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the shrimp space to dance and crisp up! Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas (a quick skillet flip or a wrap in the microwave does wonders). Place a generous handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage in each tortilla, top with a few pieces of hot, crispy shrimp, then drizzle with plenty of bang bang sauce. Serve immediately, while everything is warm and crunchy for the ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos experience!
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Garnishes
Level up your tacos with the perfect finishing touches. Fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or lime wedges on the side will make your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Add a little extra drizzle of bang bang sauce if you’re feeling saucy!
Side Dishes
Round out your taco night with fresh, simple sides. Classic Mexican street corn, lightly dressed slaw, avocado slices, or even crispy tortilla chips and a zesty salsa are all fantastic with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. These sides add color and variety, making your table feel like a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your tacos into a showstopper by serving them buffet-style—let everyone assemble their own with an array of toppings and garnishes. For parties, try mini street taco shells for bite-sized versions, or deconstruct the tacos altogether and serve the shrimp and toppings in lettuce cups for a low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos elements, store the shrimp, sauce, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp keep best for up to two days, while the sauce and veggies can last even longer—meaning you’re never far from a taco lunch!
Freezing
Fried shrimp freeze pretty well: layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and store for up to one month. It’s best to freeze the shrimp separately from the sauce and greens to prevent sogginess—assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To keep the shrimp crispy, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until hot and golden again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Assemble the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos just before serving for the very best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before soaking in the buttermilk. This step ensures the coating sticks and fries up beautifully.
Is there a way to make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Also, make sure to use gluten-free tortillas for a totally wheat-free, delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos experience.
What’s the best oil for frying the shrimp?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point—vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are great options. They let the shrimp and sauce shine without adding any off-flavors.
How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
They have a gentle heat from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice level. If you love extra heat, add more sriracha; for a milder version, start with less and taste as you go.
Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?
Definitely! This recipe works wonders with lightly battered chicken, crispy tofu, or even pan-seared fish. Just make sure to keep the pieces small for easy taco stuffing and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s sheer fun to make and even more fun to eat, give these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos a try. One batch and you’ll see why this recipe always disappears in a flash at any gathering—it’s pure flavor joy, wrapped up in a tortilla!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos topped with creamy, zesty sauce and fresh slaw. An irresistible twist perfect for Taco Tuesday or easy party bites!
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying
- Oil, for frying
Serving
- 8 small tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.
- Soak the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let them soak for 10 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Coating: In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This dry mixture will give the shrimp that perfect crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, enough to reach about 1 inch up the sides, and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Bread and Fry the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing so the coating sticks. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, frying for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave if desired. To each tortilla, add a layer of shredded lettuce or cabbage, a few pieces of crispy shrimp, and generously drizzle with bang bang sauce. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.
Notes
- To keep the shrimp extra crispy, fry in small batches without crowding the pan.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayo in the sauce for a lighter version.
- Feel free to use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience—just coat and fry as per instructions.
- Swap out lettuce for cabbage for a crunchier bite, or add fresh herbs for a pop of flavor.
- These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover shrimp can be reheated in the oven to revive crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian-fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 150mg