Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, a show-stopping fusion of crispy, tender shrimp, spicy-sweet sauce, and vibrant fresh toppings, all tucked into soft tortillas. This crave-worthy bite has exploded in popularity for good reason: it’s a symphony of irresistible flavors and textures, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a party. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish to wow your friends, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are about to earn a top spot on your dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the absolute joys of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is how the list of simple, straightforward ingredients comes together in a way that transforms dinner into something truly memorable. Each item brings a unique note—tangy, creamy, spicy, or crunchy—to create the ultimate flavor parade in every bite.

• Mayonnaise: This forms the rich, creamy base for the bang bang sauce, carrying all the wonderful flavors.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds zippy heat and garlicky depth—don’t skip it if you want authentic punch!
• Sriracha Sauce (optional): Try a squirt or two for a customizable spicy kick with a smoky twist.
• Extra-Large Shrimp (26-30 count): Go for fresh or thawed peeled and deveined shrimp for the juiciest, crispiest results.
• Buttermilk: A quick marinade in buttermilk ensures the shrimp turns out extra tender and succulent.
• All-Purpose Flour: This makes up the backbone of the crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: The secret to ultra-light, shatteringly crisp shrimp every time.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning for bringing everything into balance.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need plenty for safe, even frying—use a neutral oil like canola, peanut, or sunflower.
• Taco-Sized Flour Tortillas (or Bibb Lettuce Leaves): Soft, warm tortillas are classic, but lettuce wraps are a delightfully fresh swap for a lighter version.
• Shredded Cabbage: Adds crunch and a pop of color, perfect for layering as the taco base.
• Radishes, Jalapeño Peppers, Green Onions, Cilantro: Bring on the garnish! Each one offers zing, brightness, or herby freshness that lifts the tacos to the next level.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and (if you like it spicy!) a dash of Sriracha. This luscious, creamy, and just-a-little-fiery bang bang sauce is the magical element that brings everything together. Pop it in the fridge, and it’s ready to use when your shrimp come sizzling out of the fryer.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bath of buttermilk for about 20 minutes. This quick soak amps up the flavor, tenderizes the shrimp, and helps the breading stick—trust me, this step is worth every minute for that juicy interior!

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading and Draining Stations

Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Line a sheet pan with a cooling rack nearby for the breaded shrimp to rest before frying (so their coating sets and doesn’t get gummy), and get your draining station ready with another pan covered in thick paper towels, or a second rack if you have one. Turn your oven to 200°F; this will keep your cooked shrimp warm between batches.

Step 4: Bread the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and, working in small batches, coat them in your seasoned flour-cornstarch mix. Gently shake off the excess flour, then arrange the shrimp on the rack. Let them “air-dry” for a few minutes while you prep your frying oil—this is key to golden, crackling shrimp!

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Add the vegetable oil to a heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) and heat gently to 350°F. Keeping an eye on the temperature is crucial for an even fry—use a thermometer if you can!

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Working in batches, carefully lower a handful of shrimp into the hot oil. After a minute, use a slotted spoon to separate any shrimp that try to stick together—fry them for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, until they’re perfectly golden brown. Move them to your draining rack or paper towels as soon as they’re done, and stash them in the warm oven while you finish the rest.

Step 7: Toss with Sauce

When all the shrimp are fried and piping hot, transfer them to a big bowl and gently toss in about one cup of the bang bang sauce. Coat them well but reserve a little extra for drizzling over the finished tacos.

Step 8: Assemble Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Line your warm tortillas (or lettuce leaves) with a handful of shredded cabbage, pile on the bang bang shrimp, drizzle with more sauce, and go wild with toppings: radishes, jalapeños, sliced green onions, and plenty of fresh cilantro. The more colorful and generous, the better!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter, especially with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Pile on bright-pink radish slices, thin wheels of green jalapeño, a flurry of green onion, and a shower of chopped cilantro for a fresh, restaurant-worthy look. Each garnish adds a tiny explosion of flavor and crunch, turning a regular taco night into a feast for the senses!

Side Dishes

These tacos are so robust that a simple side is all you need: zesty lime rice, a bowl of black beans, or a tangy mango-cucumber salsa all pair beautifully with the punchy flavors. For a lighter vibe, go for a crisp cucumber salad or a heap of tortilla chips and guacamole.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for a spin, try a taco bar where everyone builds their own masterpiece. Or, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups for a party-friendly appetizer. You can even pile everything into a bowl—rice on the bottom, toppings on top—for a totally different but equally delicious take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (not likely, but possible!), store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to two days in the fridge. Keep the fresh toppings and tortillas apart as well, so everything stays as fresh as possible when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

For best results, freeze just the fried shrimp, not the assembled tacos or sauce. Lay cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The bang bang sauce and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, so prepare those just before serving.

Reheating

To bring refrigerated or frozen shrimp back to that crisp perfection, bake them on a wire rack in a hot oven (around 400°F) for 6 to 8 minutes, or until heated through and sizzling again. Skip the microwave, as it makes the coating soft instead of crispy!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

While you could, I don’t recommend it—the magic is in the crispy breading and juicy interior. Pre-cooked shrimp won’t absorb the buttermilk or crisp up the same way, so for the best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, start with raw shrimp.

Are these tacos very spicy?

The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is that you control the heat! Add more or less Sriracha and jalapeño to suit your family’s spice comfort level, and taste the sauce as you go.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure your tortillas or lettuce cups are gluten-free as well; the cornstarch already is. The result will still be crispy and delicious!

What’s the best way to keep the shrimp crispy?

Always drain fried shrimp on a rack instead of stacked on paper towels, and keep them warm in a low oven until you’re ready to toss them with sauce and build your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Wait until the very last minute to sauce and assemble for maximum crunch.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to two days—just store it in an airtight container. Make extra and stash it for dipping fries or drizzling over roasted veggies later!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are joyful, satisfying, and full of wow-factor flavor—perfect for sharing with friends or making a regular Tuesday dinner feel like a big celebration. If you haven’t tried these yet, what are you waiting for? Bring some zing and crunch to your table tonight!

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