Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

If you’re craving something that packs a punch of flavor but is still light and fresh, you’ll absolutely love this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent with its crispy shrimp and spicy, creamy sauce, yet comes together pretty quickly – perfect for those evenings when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. I find that the combination of crunchy shrimp, zesty bang bang sauce, and cool avocado just hits all the right notes every single time.

What makes this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe really stand out to me is how versatile it is. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the balance of textures – from the crispy panko coating on the shrimp to the softness of the tortillas and the freshness of the cabbage – means everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and crunchy. Shopping for fresh shrimp is key – the fresher, the better. The spice blend and panko breadcrumbs help give the shrimp that irresistible crispy crust, while the sauce ties everything together beautifully.

• Large shrimp: Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating and a clean taste.
• Buttermilk: This tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle tang—don’t skip this step!
• All-purpose flour: Essential for that initial dredge to help the coating stick.
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These spices build a flavorful foundation for the shrimp.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat without overwhelming.
• Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that extra crispy outside that I love so much.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a bit of fruitiness to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Adds spicy kick—feel free to adjust to taste.
• Small flour tortillas: Soft and flexible, perfect for wrapping up those shrimp.
• Shredded cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness for balance.
• Avocado: Creamy slices that mellow the spice beautifully.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens every bite.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe quite a bit, and honestly, it’s fun to tweak based on what you have or your mood. You really can make it your own by switching up the protein or adding toppings that suit your taste buds.

• Vegetarian variation: I often swap shrimp for crispy tofu, which works surprisingly well with the bang bang sauce and keeps that crunch.
• Extra crunch: Adding sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños gives the tacos a zesty crunch that’s delightful.
• Milder spice level: If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks, reducing or omitting the sriracha still keeps the flavor rich.
• Different greens: Sometimes I use a mix of shredded kale and cabbage or even romaine for a different texture.
• Grilled shrimp option: For a lighter take, you can grill instead of frying the shrimp and toss them with the sauce afterward.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp in Buttermilk

The marinating is what really softens the shrimp and adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the wings-style sauce. Pop your peeled, deveined shrimp into a bowl with the buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I like to get this started early while prepping the rest of the ingredients to give the shrimp time to soak up those flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture

While the shrimp are marinating, mix together all your dry seasoning ingredients with the flour. This blend of paprika, garlic, onion powders, cayenne, salt, and pepper is what’ll give the coating its irresistible flavor. Having it ready means the next steps go smoothly and you won’t have to scramble.

Step 3: Dredging and Coating Your Shrimp

Once the shrimp have soaked, let any excess buttermilk drip off, then coat them in the seasoned flour. After that, dip them back in the buttermilk briefly before pressing into the panko breadcrumbs. This double-coating method is the trick that creates such a satisfyingly crunchy crust. Don’t rush this step – be gentle to keep the coating intact!

Step 4: Fry Until Crispy and Golden

Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and carefully fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Each side only takes 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. A good tip is not to move them too much while frying to get that even golden crust. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.

Step 5: Whisk Together Your Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make your bang bang sauce. This luscious sauce is where the magic happens—it’s creamy, sweet, and spicy at the same time. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you want it more or less fiery.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Start with a soft flour tortilla, pile on a handful of shredded cabbage for crunch, then add your crispy shrimp. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce and top with creamy avocado slices for contrast. Finish it off with a squeeze of lime to brighten all those flavors.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bang bang shrimp tacos with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions when I have them on hand—they add such a fresh punch. Pickled jalapeños are another favorite because they cut through the richness with a bit of tang and heat. Sometimes, I add a few crunchy radish slices just for color and extra texture. These little touches take the tacos from great to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican street corn or a light cucumber salad to keep things balanced. I also like a simple black bean and corn salad for a heartier option that still feels fresh. If you want to keep it casual, classic tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa are a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the components buffet-style so everyone can build their own tacos—this is always a hit and fun for guests. Another time, I pressed the tortillas into mini taco shells using a muffin tin and baked them for a crispy shell alternative. You can also serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of lettuce as a taco salad bowl if you’re looking for something lower-carb or gluten-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover battered and fried shrimp separately in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep them from getting soggy. The bang bang sauce keeps well in the fridge too, just make sure to give it a quick stir before using again. I keep the cabbage and avocado fresh by prepping them just before serving next time.

Freezing

Freezing fried shrimp can be a bit tricky because you want to keep the crispiness. I freeze the uncooked breaded shrimp on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, I bake or air fry them directly from frozen. The bang bang sauce, however, doesn’t freeze well—better to make it fresh or keep it refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp, I recommend using an oven or air fryer to bring back that crunch instead of a microwave. Lay them on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. The tortillas are best warmed separately in a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and ease. I often find myself making it when friends come over or when I just want a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle. You really can’t go wrong, and the chance to customize it makes it feel fresh and exciting every time. I encourage you to try it out—it’s one of those recipes that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Trust me, once you’ve had these bang bang shrimp tacos, they’ll be a staple in your recipe file, too!

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