Get ready to savor the incredible flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! These delicious tacos are packed with crispy shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a creamy Bang Bang sauce that brings it all together. Perfect for taco nights or any casual gathering, this recipe is quick and easy to make. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table with these mouthwatering shrimp tacos!
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving
Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey (or agave syrup for vegan option)
Juice of 1 lime
![- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying The main star of this dish is the shrimp. I love using fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Buttermilk helps make the shrimp tender. It also adds a nice tang. The flour and cornstarch mix gives the shrimp that crispy texture. The spices like paprika and cayenne give a bit of heat. You can adjust the cayenne to your taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon honey (or agave syrup for vegan option) - Juice of 1 lime The Bang Bang sauce is what makes these tacos special. It has a creamy base from the mayonnaise. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and a hint of spice. Sriracha brings some heat, and you can adjust it if you want it spicier. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, but you can swap it with agave for a vegan option. Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and makes it tangy. - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cabbage - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - Lime wedges for serving For the tacos, I use small corn tortillas. They hold the filling perfectly. Shredded cabbage adds crunch and freshness. Diced tomatoes add color and sweetness. Fresh cilantro gives a nice herbal flavor. Don’t forget lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos. They add a zesty kick. For the full recipe, check out the sections below. To make the Bang Bang sauce, start with a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce gives the tacos their signature flavor. Once mixed, set the sauce aside. It can stay at room temperature while you prepare the shrimp. Next, take the shrimp and place them in a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp. This step helps the shrimp stay juicy. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. While the shrimp soak, prepare the dry mixture. In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This mix will create a crunchy coating for the shrimp. Now it’s time to cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot, but not smoking. Carefully add the coated shrimp in batches. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once done, remove the shrimp and let them drain on a paper towel. To assemble the tacos, start by warming the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet or microwave. Place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla. Next, add 2-3 pieces of crispy shrimp on top. Then, sprinkle diced tomatoes over the shrimp. Finally, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce on top and add fresh cilantro. Your tacos are now ready to enjoy. For a zesty touch, serve with lime wedges on the side. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the best shrimp texture, marinating is key. I suggest marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the shrimp absorb the buttermilk. It also makes them tender and flavorful. If you have time, marinate for 30 minutes for even better results. Next, pay attention to the frying temperature. Heat the oil to medium-high. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. If the oil is too hot, your shrimp may burn. If it’s too cool, they will soak up oil and become greasy. Aim for around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. Adjusting spice levels can make a big difference. Start with the cayenne pepper in the flour mix. You can add more if you like heat. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount. You can also try adding some smoked paprika for a deeper taste. For extra flavor, consider toppings and garnishes. Shredded cabbage gives crunch. Diced tomatoes add freshness. Fresh cilantro is a must for brightness. You can also add sliced jalapeños for some zing or avocado for creaminess. Pairing drinks with your tacos can elevate the meal. A light beer or crisp white wine works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try a fresh limeade or sparkling water with lime. For creative plating, stack the tacos in a row on a large platter. This makes a striking display. You can also serve lime wedges in a small bowl for easy access. Add a few sprigs of cilantro around the tacos for color. This makes the dish look even more appealing. For the full recipe, visit the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos section. {{image_2}} Baking Bang Bang Shrimp Baking is a healthier choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat the shrimp with oil and seasonings. Spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and crisp. Grilling options Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Skewer the shrimp for easy handling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice char and enhances the taste. Using different tortillas You can switch up the tortillas. Try flour, whole wheat, or even lettuce wraps. Each option changes the texture and flavor. Corn tortillas are traditional, but feel free to explore. Alternative fillings Get creative with fillings! Add avocado, black beans, or even grilled veggies. These add nutrition and different tastes. You can also use other proteins, like chicken or tofu, for a twist. Vegan sauce adaptation To make a vegan sauce, swap mayonnaise for a plant-based option. Use silken tofu or vegan mayo. Keep the sweet chili sauce and lime juice. This way, you still get that creamy, tangy flavor. Spiciness adjustments Adjust the heat to your liking. Use less cayenne for mild flavors. You can add more sriracha for extra kick. Always taste as you mix. This keeps the sauce balanced and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos section above. To keep your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well, but any plastic container with a lid will do. Layer the shrimp and toppings separately to avoid sogginess. Place a piece of wax paper between layers. This helps the tacos stay crisp longer. You can freeze leftover shrimp and sauce for later use. First, let the shrimp cool. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. For the sauce, pour it into a small container. Seal both bags tightly, removing as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warm. In the fridge, your leftover tacos last about three days. If they smell funny or look off, it’s best to toss them. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the shrimp feels slimy or has a strange color, do not eat it. Stay safe and enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos fresh from the kitchen! For the full recipe, click here [Full Recipe]. For Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, you can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp offer a sweet taste and firm texture. However, frozen shrimp are convenient and often just as tasty. If you choose frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save prep time. Yes, you can make Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week. This sauce gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld. Just give it a quick stir before using. To make these tacos gluten-free, you can swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, making it a great option for the coating. Choose gluten-free corn tortillas for a complete gluten-free meal. You can find Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at many seafood or Asian-inspired restaurants. Popular chains like Bonefish Grill serve a well-known version. For local options, use apps like Yelp or Google Maps. Search for “Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos” to find nearby spots. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine tasty shrimp, rich sauce, and fresh veggies. This recipe guides you through making the perfect dish with easy steps and helpful tips. Remember, you can try different cooking methods and modify ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you fry, bake, or grill, customizing your tacos brings fun to your meals. Keep the leftovers fresh, and enjoy them later! Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking these delicious tacos today. You’ll impress your family and friends with your skills.](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1b764d74-413b-4cf0-bb32-3ffe751bce03-300x300.webp)