Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, nestled into warm tortillas, and topped with fresh slaw—every bite is crunchy, saucy, and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting Taco Tuesday or just craving something bold and fun, these tacos deliver big flavor with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious tacos in no time.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of spicy and sweet in the Bang Bang sauce elevates the shrimp to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for taco night, lunch, or as appetizers for gatherings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite toppings like avocado or pickled onions to personalize each taco.
• Family-Friendly Dish: These tacos are sure to please both kids and adults alike, making them a hit at any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to streamline your experience. Having everything on hand ensures that you can focus on creating this tasty dish without interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Ideal for frying the shrimp, allowing even cooking and crispiness.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating shrimp and mixing the Bang Bang sauce effectively.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps remove crispy shrimp from hot oil without excess grease.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining sauces smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

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)

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

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar. Taste and adjust spice level as desired. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let soak for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick.

Step 3: Mix the Coating

In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.

Step 5: Toss in Sauce

In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with half of the bang bang sauce. Reserve the rest for drizzling or dipping.

Step 6: Make the Slaw

In a small bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to slightly soften and absorb flavors.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Add a small handful of slaw to each tortilla. Top with bang bang shrimp. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and optional toppings like avocado or pickled onions.

Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Here are some ideas to elevate your taco experience and impress your guests.

Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
• Avocado: Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

Sauces & Condiments

• Extra Bang Bang Sauce: Provide additional sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
• Pickled Onions: Offer pickled onions for a tangy contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Hot Sauce: Set out different hot sauces for those who love a spicy kick.

Taco Presentation

• Taco Holder: Use a taco holder for an elegant presentation.
• Serving Platter: Arrange tacos on a colorful platter garnished with greens for visual appeal.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Creating perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out just right.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the shrimp to marinate longer than 15 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
• Use Cold Oil: Ensure the oil is cold before frying, which helps achieve that crispiness without sogginess.
• Do Not Overcrowd: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the temperature consistent and avoid steaming them.
• Adjust Spice Level: Taste the bang bang sauce before serving and adjust the sriracha according to your heat preference.
• Fresh Slaw Only: Make the slaw just before serving to maintain its crunchiness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices, ideal for soaking up sauce.
2. Black Beans: Hearty black beans seasoned with garlic and cumin, adding protein and fiber.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing—perfectly sweet and tangy.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that pairs wonderfully with crunchy tacos.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a nice crunch before the main dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add a smoky flavor that balances the meal.
7. Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad will cleanse your palate between bites of bold-flavored tacos.
8. Coleslaw: A classic pairing, coleslaw adds crunch and complements the spice of the shrimp perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the shrimp can lead to a less flavorful taco. Allow the shrimp to soak in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes for better texture and taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Cook in batches to keep them crispy.
• Ignoring Sauce Adjustments: Not tasting your Bang Bang sauce before serving can result in an unbalanced flavor. Always adjust sweetness and spiciness to your liking.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can dampen the taco experience. Warm them up just before assembling for a delightful touch.
• Neglecting Fresh Toppings: Skipping fresh toppings like cilantro or lime diminishes flavor complexity. Always add garnishes for a fresh finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

• Freeze the cooked shrimp separately in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Use within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil, and warm the shrimp until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

What is the best way to cook shrimp for tacos?

Cooking shrimp quickly in hot oil produces crispy results. Frying them in small batches ensures they get golden brown without steaming.

Can I make Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

How do I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe?

Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or extra herbs. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Serve these tacos with sides like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only bursting with flavor but also versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy them as a fun weeknight dinner or at your next gathering. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces to make them uniquely yours!