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

• Quick to Prepare: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these tacos even on busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of crispy shrimp and tangy bang bang sauce creates a delightful taste experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings or spice level based on your preferences for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These tacos are great for casual dinners, parties, or even meal prep for the week.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun flavors and textures of these delicious tacos.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having everything in place will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Whisk
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Essential for frying the shrimp to crispy perfection.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing sauces and coating mixtures without mixing flavors prematurely.
• Slotted spoon: Helps drain excess oil from fried shrimp easily, keeping them crispy.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending the bang bang sauce smoothly.

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 deliciously crafted Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for any occasion. You can elevate your taco experience by adding various toppings and sides. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more delightful.

Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the spicy sauce beautifully.
• Pickled Onions: Tangy pickled onions offer a nice crunch and acidity.
• Extra Bang Bang Sauce: For those who love extra heat, drizzle more sauce on top.

Sides

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up every bite of the tacos.
• Fresh Salsa: A zesty salsa pairs wonderfully with the shrimp’s crunch.
• Guacamole: Smooth guacamole is a rich addition that balances flavors well.

Drinks

• Margaritas: Refreshing margaritas make an excellent drink pairing for taco night.
• Iced Tea: A chilled iced tea is a light option that complements the spices without overpowering them.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

For the best results with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp has better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
• Marinate Properly: Letting the shrimp soak in buttermilk helps achieve tenderness and enhances coating adherence.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents sogginess and promotes crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking.
• Tweak the Sauce: Adjust sriracha levels in the bang bang sauce according to your heat preference for a personal touch.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your tacos can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant mix of corn, lime, cheese, and spices makes a refreshing side.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro complements the shrimp’s flavors perfectly.
3. Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad adds an earthy contrast to the tacos’ richness.
4. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole are always a hit at gatherings.
5. Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful side option.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and freshness, enhancing each bite of taco.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Soaking Step – Not marinating the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to less tender shrimp. This step helps the coating stick better and improves flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan – Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches to keep them crispy.
• Forgetting to Taste the Sauce – Neglecting to taste the Bang Bang sauce before serving may leave it unbalanced. Always adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your preference.
• Using Cold Tortillas – Serving cold tortillas can make your tacos less enjoyable. Warm them up before assembling for a better texture and flavor.
• Skipping Optional Toppings – Leaving out toppings like avocado or pickled onions might mean missing out on extra flavors. Experiment with different toppings for a unique twist.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Keep the shrimp, sauce, and slaw separate until ready to eat for best results.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

• Freeze any leftover shrimp without sauce for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
• Microwave – Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-second intervals until warmed through, but this may not retain crispiness.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Toss in the shrimp until heated, about 3–5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe?

A Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe features crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce served in tortillas with fresh slaw. It’s a fusion of flavors that is both fun and satisfying.

How do I make my own Bang Bang sauce?

To make your own sauce, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and either rice vinegar or lime juice in a bowl. Adjust spice levels to fit your taste!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before marinating in buttermilk for best results.

What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair well with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or chips with salsa. Add fresh guacamole for extra flavor!

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to customize by adding other toppings such as diced tomatoes or jalapeños. You can also use different proteins like chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.

Final Thoughts

The Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe combines bold flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a casual dinner party. You can easily customize it with various toppings or sauces based on personal preference. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!