Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring a delightful combination of crispy shrimp, creamy and spicy sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. The star of these tacos is the signature Bang Bang Sauce—a perfect blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and just the right amount of heat from sriracha. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried to perfection, creating a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the coolness of the cabbage, cilantro, and lime. These tacos are perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or a special treat for taco night. Whether you like your tacos mild or spicy, you can adjust the heat to your taste with the Bang Bang Sauce!

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha sauce, to taste

Fried Shrimp:

• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• Canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying
• ¾ cup cornstarch

Tacos:

• 8-12 small white corn tortillas, or hard shell tacos
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Lime juice
• Thinly sliced jalapeños, optional

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce to your desired spice level. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Fried Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and let them soak for about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate shallow bowl, place the cornstarch. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the shrimp to the pan in batches, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Once ready, layer each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded cabbage, then add the fried shrimp. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp.
6. Top with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, and thinly sliced jalapeños, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Taco Style: While corn tortillas are ideal for these shrimp tacos, you can use flour tortillas or even hard taco shells if you prefer.
• Grilled Shrimp: For a lighter version, try grilling the shrimp instead of frying them. Marinate the shrimp in the buttermilk mixture, season with salt and pepper, and grill on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the shrimp with crispy fried cauliflower or tempura vegetables for a tasty alternative.
• Extra Heat: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang Sauce or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the cornstarch mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the toppings and sauce separate from the shrimp and tortillas to avoid sogginess.
• Reheating: To reheat fried shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and frying.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

To increase the heat, add more sriracha to the Bang Bang Sauce or include extra sliced jalapeños as a topping.

Can I use store-bought coleslaw mix instead of shredded cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience. Just make sure to add fresh lime juice to brighten it up.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use peanut oil, vegetable oil, or even avocado oil for frying. Each oil has a high smoking point and will work well for frying the shrimp.

Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce in advance?

Yes, the Bang Bang Sauce can be made up to 2-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It will thicken slightly when chilled, so give it a good stir before using.

Can I make this recipe with grilled shrimp instead of fried shrimp?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp are a great alternative. Just marinate the shrimp in the buttermilk mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?

Shrimp cook quickly and should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 145°F. They should also be opaque and easy to flake with a fork.

Can I use hard shell tacos instead of soft tortillas?

Yes! If you prefer a crunchier texture, use hard taco shells instead of soft tortillas.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

For the best results, these tacos should be assembled just before serving to keep the shrimp crispy. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them quickly when ready to serve.

Can I use a different protein in these tacos?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with fish fillets, chicken, or even crispy tofu for a different twist.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a deliciously flavorful, crunchy, and spicy treat that everyone will love. The crispy shrimp, paired with the creamy Bang Bang Sauce and fresh toppings, create a taco experience like no other. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or at a gathering, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. With the option to adjust the spice levels and customize your toppings, this recipe offers versatility while maintaining bold, satisfying flavors.

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