If you are craving a vibrant and exciting meal that bursts with flavor and texture, then this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe is exactly what you need. These tacos bring together crispy, perfectly fried shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, all nestled inside soft tortillas with fresh cabbage and creamy avocado. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of heat, tang, crunch, and creaminess that feels like a festive party in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for friends or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe promises irresistible results that will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, adding flavor, texture, and color that beautifully complement one another to create a memorable meal.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and a tender bite.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Provides a light, crispy coating when frying the shrimp.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle tang.
- Flour (1 cup): Essential for the crispy crust that holds your shrimp together.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings a smoky hint and beautiful color.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to a golden crunch without overpowering flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Forms the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and a gentle kick to the sauce.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): Gives the bold heat that makes the bang bang sauce unforgettable — adjust to your spice preference.
- Small tortillas (8): Choose corn or flour, depending on your preference for softness or chewiness.
- Shredded cabbage (1 cup): Provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the spicy shrimp.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Adds rich creaminess that balances the heat.
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens the tacos with a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice lifts all the flavors with zesty brightness.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by placing the peeled, deveined shrimp in a bowl with the buttermilk. Letting them soak for about 10 minutes helps tenderize the shrimp and infuses a subtle tang that makes each bite extra juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Coating Mix
While the shrimp is marinating, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a separate bowl. This combination is key for creating that crispy, golden crust that makes these tacos stand out.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk bath and dip them thoroughly into the flour mixture. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated — this step ensures they’ll develop the perfect crunchy texture when fried.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep pan to create about an inch depth. Heat it over medium heat and test by dropping a pinch of the flour mixture in — it should immediately sizzle, signaling the oil is ready for frying.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This creamy, spicy sauce is the soul of the dish — it ties everything together with that signature bang bang flavor.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas, then add a bed of shredded cabbage to each. Nestle 3 to 4 fried shrimp on top, generously drizzle with bang bang sauce, and layer with fresh avocado slices. The contrast of textures and temperatures here is pure magic.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe Shine with Garnishes and Sides
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled over the tacos add a bright, herbal note that balances the spicy sauce beautifully. A squeeze of lime juice just before eating gives an irresistible citrusy zing that wakes up all the flavors. These simple garnishes transform each bite into a true flavor experience.
Side Dishes
Think light and fresh. A side of Mexican street corn salad, black bean salsa, or even a simple fresh cucumber salad pairs perfectly with the richness of the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe. These sides help balance the heat and complement the tacos without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these tacos as mini sliders using smaller tortillas or even crispy lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can also place all ingredients buffet-style so your guests assemble their own tacos — this adds a festive, interactive element to your meal that’s sure to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover fried shrimp, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping components separate preserves their textures and flavors better than pre-assembling the tacos.
Freezing
While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked, breaded shrimp before frying. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready, fry them directly from frozen for a quick treat. The sauce and fresh toppings, however, don’t freeze well, so prepare those fresh.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to recapture crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture. Warm tortillas separately, and serve with fresh toppings and freshly made bang bang sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Absolutely. The beauty of the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe is its flexibility. Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to dial up or down the heat to suit your taste buds. You can also add a sprinkle of jalapeños for extra kick or use a milder chili sauce if you prefer less spice.
What type of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well; it depends on your preference. Corn tortillas add a traditional, slightly smoky flavor and a bit more texture, while flour tortillas are soft and pliable, making them easier to fold around the shrimp and toppings.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can bake shrimp for a healthier option, but keep in mind that frying creates that signature crispy crunch essential to the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe. If baking, coat the shrimp and place them on a greased baking sheet, then bake at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles, then use it as directed in the recipe.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce in advance?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the tacos even easier when you’re ready to serve and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more. The combination of juicy, crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful sauce, paired with fresh crunchy veggies and creamy avocado, creates a meal that feels both indulgent and refreshing. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it’s guaranteed to brighten up any table and bring a little fiesta to your kitchen.
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe combines crispy, flavorful fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas with fresh cabbage and avocado for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for a quick and crowd-pleasing meal, these tacos offer a delightful twist on traditional shrimp tacos with an incredible bang bang sauce that adds a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch deep in pan)
Bangs Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
Assembly
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and shrimp. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika to create the dredging mixture for coating the shrimp.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dip each piece into the flour mixture until fully coated for a crispy exterior after frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat over medium heat. Test temperature by dropping a pinch of flour mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes each or until golden brown and cooked through, avoiding overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain the Shrimp: Remove shrimp using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas, then layer with shredded cabbage, 3-4 fried shrimp, a drizzle of bang bang sauce, and avocado slices for creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over tacos, enhancing freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying, though frying gives the best crispy texture.
- Use fresh, warm tortillas for the best taco experience.
- The shrimp must be cooked in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent for even frying.
- Leftover bang bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
