Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and tasty treat! These tacos are filled with crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that gives them a kick. Topped with fresh veggies, they are a flavor explosion!
These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. I love serving them with a squeeze of lime on top—because everything is better with a little zing, right? 🌮🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are the star of this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken breast cut into strips, tofu for a plant-based option, or even fish like tilapia for a different twist.
Buttermilk: This adds a nice tang to the shrimp. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar) and let it sit for 5 minutes!
Flour and Cornstarch: This combo creates a light and crispy batter. If you want gluten-free options, replace them with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a slightly nuttier taste.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This provides sweetness and a bit of heat. You can swap it out with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor, though it will alter the dish’s original profile.
Cabbage: The slaw adds crunch! If you don’t have green or purple cabbage, use shredded lettuce or even sliced radishes for a fresh crunch.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Fried Shrimp?
Frying shrimp can be tricky, but here’s how to get them perfectly crispy. It all starts with the coating! The flour and cornstarch mix is essential for crunch. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F). Use a thermometer if you have one; it really helps!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry shrimp in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. This keeps them crispy.
- Let the fried shrimp drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil for a lighter bite.
- Coat immediately in the bang bang sauce after frying for the best flavor absorption!
Follow these tips, and you’ll serve up shrimp that are crispy on the outside and succulent within every time!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 8-10 small corn tortillas
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Extra chopped cilantro for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing sauces, prepping the slaw, breading, and frying the shrimp, but the result is worth it! The tacos are best served immediately while everything is fresh and crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste it and adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your liking. Set this tasty sauce aside for later.
2. Make the Slaw:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots (if using), and chopped cilantro. In another small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Pop the slaw in the refrigerator to keep it cool until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
3. Prepare Shrimp Breading:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. You’re now set up for a perfect shrimp coating!
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Take each shrimp and dip it into the buttermilk, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Press lightly to ensure it sticks well. Set each coated shrimp aside on a plate as you finish up.
5. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes each or until they turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Toss Shrimp in Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, drizzle half of the prepared bang bang sauce over the freshly fried shrimp. Toss gently until the shrimp are evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
7. Warm the Tortillas:
On a dry skillet, heat the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side until they’re warm and pliable. This will make them easier to fold and bite into!
8. Assemble Tacos:
To put your tacos together, lay a few spoonfuls of slaw onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Top it with 2-3 bang bang shrimp. Add diced tomatoes if you like, drizzle with some of the remaining bang bang sauce, and sprinkle extra chopped cilantro for that fresh taste.
9. Serve Immediately:
Your vibrant, crispy, and creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are ready to devour! Serve them fresh while the shrimp are crispy and the tortillas are warm. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before starting. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before breading to ensure a crispy coating!
Can I Make the Slaw a Day Ahead?
Yes! The slaw can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving as some liquid may accumulate at the bottom.
What Are Some Alternatives for the Bang Bang Sauce?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy twist. For a vegan option, swap mayonnaise with a plant-based version. Adjust the sriracha and sweet chili sauce to fit your heat preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the shrimp crispy, it’s best to store the shrimp and slaw separately from the tortillas. Reheat the shrimp in the oven to retain their crunch when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
