If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings a perfect mix of crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy all in one bite, then you absolutely must try this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Imagine tender shrimp, doused in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce, nestled into soft tortillas with fresh, crunchy slaw and fresh garnishes that elevate every mouthful. It’s the kind of recipe that feels festive yet easy, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that dances across your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or simply feeding your own cravings, these tacos have all the wow factor without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From the juicy shrimp that provide a tender base to the crispy coating that brings a satisfying crunch, every element is carefully chosen to balance taste, texture, and color perfectly.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp are the star of this dish, delivering tender and succulent seafood goodness.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Acts as a flavorful marinade that tenderizes and adds subtle tang to the shrimp.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates the lightest, crispiest coating for frying the shrimp.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the crispy outer layer.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory depth right into the coating mix.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that highlights all the flavor components.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: The perfect neutral oil to achieve golden, crunchy shrimp without overpowering them.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: Soft and warm, these hold all that delicious filling together.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage slaw: Provides a refreshing crunch and bright contrast.
- 1/4 cup diced green onions: Adds a subtle oniony bite and fresh color.
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges: These extras bring creaminess, herbaceous notes, and a zesty finish.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that coats the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Offers a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat.
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference): Adds that signature kick to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness): Balances the heat and adds a lovely glaze to the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp some spa time in the buttermilk for about 10-15 minutes. This simple step is a game changer as it tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick better later on, making every bite perfectly juicy beneath a crisp shell.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
While the shrimp are marinating, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture will be your secret for achieving shrimp that are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a skillet, heat about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready to bring on the crunch. The correct oil temperature ensures that your shrimp fry up crispy without soaking up excess oil.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk and dredge them evenly in your prepared flour mixture. Fry them in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until beautifully golden and crisp. Let them drain on paper towels to keep them nice and crunchy.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). This sauce is the soul of the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe — creamy, spicy, and just a hint of sweetness all at once.
Step 6: Coat the Shrimp with Sauce
Toss your fried shrimp gently in the bang bang sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. This delivers that sticky, delicious glaze that makes these tacos so addictive.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Warm up your tortillas to make them pliable and soft. Then, layer on some shredded lettuce or cabbage slaw to add crunch and freshness. Top with the coated shrimp, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every taco.
Step 8: Add Fresh Garnishes
Finish your tacos by sprinkling diced green onions, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro over the top. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 9: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe delights are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve immediately to savor the crisp shrimp and vibrant toppings in all their glory.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes aren’t just decoration here — they elevate the tacos to a whole new level. Fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness, sliced avocado brings cooling creaminess, and lime wedges provide a zesty fresh burst that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair beautifully with light, fresh sides like Mexican street corn, a tangy cucumber salad, or even a simple black bean salad. The goal is to complement the spicy, rich flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe as mini sliders on small buns or use crunchy lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Another crowd-pleasing idea is to set up a taco bar so everyone can customize their own creations with all the fixings and garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp crispy longer and prevents the slaw from getting soggy.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze only the cooked shrimp without the sauce to maintain texture. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, then thaw gently in the fridge when ready to use.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp in a hot skillet or air fryer for a few minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the coating soggy. Warm tortillas separately for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating and frying to avoid excess moisture messing with the crispiness.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The spiciness depends on how much sriracha you add. You can adjust from mild to spicy by starting with a smaller amount and tasting as you go.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This homemade substitute works well for marinating shrimp.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
They can be! Use gluten-free flour and tortillas to make this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce actually tastes better after sitting a bit, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe — it’s fresh, exciting, and undeniably delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe brings people together with its vibrant flavors and irresistible textures. Grab those ingredients, warm up the skillet, and get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
