bang bang shrimp tacos

bang bang shrimp tacos

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special. What are some of the best bang bung shrimp tacos? Imagine the crispy, succulent shrimp coated in that sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, nestled in a tin foil. What’s a good slaw to serve with tortillas? Is it like a party in your mouth? If you’re a fan of spicy tuna rolls or even just good ol’ shrimp po’boy, prepare to meet your new boyfriend. I whipped these up on a whim last week, and my family devoured them in minutes. Now they’re practically begging me to make them every night!

bang bang shrimp tacos final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a Bang Bang Shrimp?

Let’s break it down. **Bang bang shrimp tacos** are basically a fusion dish, taking inspiration from Asian-inspired recipes. What are some of the best handheld taco recipes? The “bang bang” part comes from the sauce – creamy, slightly sweet, and definitely spicy. What is mayo- Think of it as a leveled-up spicy mayo you’d find with sushi, but with oomph! How do you toss crispy fried (or sometimes pan-seared) shrimp in this magical sauce and pile it into a bowl? How do you serve tortillas with other fresh toppings? What is essentially a flavor explosion in every bite, balancing the richness of the shrimp and sauce. With the coolness of the slaw. Is it really worth the hype?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why I’m obsessed with these Bang Bang shrimp tacos? I know you will be too!

• **Flavor**: The taste is absolutely unreal. What’s your take on mayo and chili sauce? What is the crunch of the slaw? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works perfectly together. My husband, who’s usually a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, went back for seconds!

What is the easiest recipe to make? I’ve streamlined the process so you can get these on the table in under 30 minutes. Is it faster to order online than takeout?

• **Cost-efficiency**: What are some good substitutes for shrimp? What are pantry staples? I often use frozen shrimp to keep costs down, and honestly, you can’t even tell the difference.

• **Versatility**: You can customize these **bang bang shrimp tacos** to your heart’s content. What are some good ways to make a slaw, add avocado, or even switch up the sauce? Is this recipe good with grilled chicken instead of shrimp?

This recipe is definitely up there with my other favorite quick and easy meals, like my one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies. But what I love most about this recipe is that it feels a little bit fancy without being fussy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.

How do you make a Bang Bang Shrimp Taco?

Quick Overview

What are some good ways to make Bang Bang shrimp tacos? First, you’ll prep the shrimp and toss them in a simple batter. If you’re going to fry a potato, you can pan-sear it. Then, fry it until golden and crispy. While the shrimp are cooking, you’ll whip up the bang-bang sauce and the slaw. How do you make tacos? What’s the secret behind the sauce? Is it easier than it sounds?

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer using frozen shrimp), thawed overnight What is the difference between all-purpose flour and cornstarch? • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar added) • Vegetable oil, for frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I always use full-fat mayo for the best flavor) • 2 tablespoons sweet chili powder. Is there a substitute for sriracha in grocery stores? What is your spice preference? • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if using)

For the Slaw:
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (I use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time) • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 2 cups tomatoes 1 tablespoon lime juice • 1 teaspoon honey • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:
• 12 small flour tortillas • Lime wedges, for serving • Optional toppings: Avocado slices, chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado slices.

bang bang shrimp tacos ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels. How do I get crispy fried onions? In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Buttermilk Wash

In another bowl, pour in buttermilk (or your milk/lemon juice mixture). How do I make the batter stick to the shrimp?

Step 3: Batter the Shrimp

How do you dredge shrimp in flour? I like to do this in batches to avoid clumping.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a little bit of the batter in – it should sizzle) you can use it to fry the fish. If you have a large pan, add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 1 hour (if not longer) until golden brown. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. With a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the shell and place them on an ungreased plate to drain excess water.

Pro Tip:If you want to bake instead, preheat oven to 400. Lay the battered shrimp on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray, bake for 12-15 minutes. What is flipping halfway

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice. In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you adjust the sriracha to your liking?

Step 6: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce

Once the shrimp are fried, immediately toss them in the bang-bang sauce until they are evenly coated. The warmth of the shrimp helps the sauce stick nicely.

Step 7: Prepare the Slaw

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar if the lime juice is particularly tart.

Step 8: Assemble the Tacos

How do you warm tortillas according to package directions? I like to quickly char them over an open flame for a little extra flavor. Then, fill each tortilla with a generous amount of slaw, top with the bang-bang shrimp, and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately. Can you serve extra sauce if desired? Add your favorite toppings, like avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and green onions.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your **bang bang shrimp tacos** immediately with lime wedges. What are some of the best flavor explosions ever?

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ‘bang bang’ shrimp tacos? What are some ideas for a complete meal?

For a casual lunch:Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole. The creamy avocado compliments the spiciness of tacos.

For a Fiesta-Style Dinner:Pair with Mexican rice and black beans. What is a hearty meal that’s perfect for supper?

For a lighter option: Serve with a simple green salad. The fresh greens will balance out the richness of the tacos.

For a Game Day Snack:Offer alongside other appetizers like wings and nachos. Tacos are always a hit at parties!

My family loves it when I serve these tacos with grilled corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn is a delicious contrast to the spicy shrimp. I like to serve these with a cold beer. It’s the perfect combination. What is a relaxing

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these **bang bang shrimp tacos** even more amazing. Here are my top tips:

Shrimp Selection: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. Make sure to buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

Crispy Shrimp: The key to crispy shrimp is to make sure they are completely dry before battering. Pat them dry with paper towels and use cornstarch in the batter. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.

Bang Bang Sauce: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your spice preference. If you’re not a fan of spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce for a little extra zing.

Slaw Perfection: Don’t overdress the slaw, as it will become soggy. Add the dressing just before serving. You can also add other vegetables to the slaw, like shredded carrots, red onion, or bell peppers.

Tortilla Tricks: Warm the tortillas before filling them to make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or over an open flame.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can use a mixture of honey and sriracha.

One time, I accidentally used baking powder instead of cornstarch in the batter, and the shrimp turned out super puffy! They were still delicious, but definitely not as crispy. And another time, I forgot to add the rice vinegar to the bang bang sauce, and it tasted a little too sweet. So trust me, these little details really do make a difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover **bang bang shrimp tacos**, here’s how to store and reheat them:

Shrimp: Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become rubbery.

Slaw: Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy.

Tortillas: Store the tortillas in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. Warm them before serving.

Assembled Tacos: It’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving, as the slaw can make the tortillas soggy. If you have leftover assembled tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat them in the microwave, but be aware that the tortillas may become a little soggy.

I usually just make enough shrimp and slaw for one meal, as they are best enjoyed fresh. But if I do have leftovers, I like to use the shrimp in salads or rice bowls. The bang bang sauce adds a delicious flavor to any dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. You should also double-check that your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While you *can* use pre-cooked shrimp, I don’t recommend it, as they won’t get as crispy. But if you’re short on time, go for it! Just be sure to toss them in the bang bang sauce right before serving, as they don’t need to be heated for long.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp is a great option for a healthier twist. Just marinate the shrimp in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
What can I use instead of sriracha?
If you don’t have sriracha, you can use another type of chili sauce, like gochujang or sambal oelek. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.

Final Thoughts

bang bang shrimp tacos slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my super easy and incredibly delicious recipe for **bang bang shrimp tacos**! These tacos are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, and they’re sure to become a new family favorite. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my spicy tuna bowls or my creamy shrimp pasta. Both are packed with flavor and super satisfying. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Sharing is caring so if you liked my bang bang shrimp tacos please share with your best friend!

bang bang shrimp tacos

Crispy bang bang shrimp nestled in warm tortillas with a creamy slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Shrimp

  • 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 0.5 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1 tsp Sriracha or more, to taste

Tacos

  • 8 Small Flour Tortillas
  • 2 cup Shredded Cabbage
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Carrots
  • 0.25 cup Chopped Cilantro

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a bowl, combine cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp in the mixture until well coated.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
  • Toss cooked shrimp in the bang bang sauce.
  • Warm tortillas. Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage, carrots, bang bang shrimp, and cilantro.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Optional: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the tacos for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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