If you’re craving a taco that bursts with flavor and texture, the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tacos feature crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, all nestled inside soft tortillas and crowned with a refreshing, crunchy slaw. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want to spice up a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bold, irresistible taste with every bite, making it one of my favorite recipes to share and enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you — each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of crispiness, creaminess, and freshness in the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. From the crunchy shrimp coating to the tangy slaw, every component adds something special to the final dish.
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined: Choose medium-sized shrimp for the ideal bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Soaks the shrimp to tenderize and help the coating stick better.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Provides extra crispiness to the shrimp’s coating.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Combines with cornstarch to create a light, crunchy crust.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color to the coating.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is everything to bring out all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use enough oil for shallow frying to achieve that golden crisp.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle spicy kick to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha: Boosts heat according to your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spice with natural sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: For a crunchy, vibrant slaw that lightens every bite.
- ¼ cup shredded carrots: Adds bright color and subtle sweetness to the slaw.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Brings mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Gives the slaw a zesty tang to cut through the richness.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping up the shrimp and slaw.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish: Add a fragrant, citrusy finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is the star that makes these tacos unforgettable, so take your time to blend all the flavors into a perfect harmony.
Step 2: Make the Fresh Slaw
In another bowl, toss together shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, carrots, chopped green onions, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Season with a little salt and pepper, then set it aside to let the flavors mingle. This crunchy slaw will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the crispy shrimp and rich sauce.
Step 3: Prepare and Dredge the Shrimp
Soak the shrimp in the buttermilk for 10 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick. While the shrimp is resting, mix cornstarch, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Once the shrimp is ready, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil — crispy perfection is just moments away.
Step 5: Toss Shrimp with Bang Bang Sauce
Place the warm shrimp in a large bowl and give them a generous toss with the bang bang sauce. Every piece should be beautifully coated, bursting with creamy, spicy flavor that makes these tacos so addictive.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas until soft and pliable. To assemble, lay down a spoonful of slaw on each tortilla, follow with a few bang bang shrimp, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra pop of brightness. Get ready to dive into this flavor-packed treat!
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges are essential garnishes that brighten the tacos with freshness and a hint of citrus. Feel free to add thinly sliced radishes or pickled onions to amp up texture and tang even more — they complement the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with a side of black beans, Mexican street corn, or a simple avocado salad to round out the meal. Each side brings its own vibrant flavors and textures, making your dinner feel complete and festive without overwhelming the star shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe with colorful corn tortillas or mini taco shells for bite-sized appetizers. You can also turn this into a taco salad bowl by piling the shrimp and slaw over a bed of greens, drizzling extra sauce on top for a low-carb delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the shrimp, slaw, sauce, and tortillas stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and lets you enjoy the same fresh taste the next day. The shrimp is best eaten within 2 days for optimal texture.
Freezing
Freezing the cooked shrimp is possible, but I recommend coating and frying fresh for best texture. If you must freeze, cool and freeze the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a hot skillet or oven to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Warm tortillas briefly on the stovetop or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch mix with a gluten-free flour blend or use rice flour for dredging. Make sure your tortillas are also gluten-free, such as corn tortillas, for a fully safe meal.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?
The heat level is moderate because of the sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. You can always adjust the Sriracha amount up or down depending on your heat preference, making it friendlier for milder palates or more fiery for spice lovers.
Can I bake or air fry the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the shrimp at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes until crispy or air fry at the same temperature for around 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What is the best way to reheat leftover shrimp without losing crispiness?
Reheating in a hot oven or skillet works best to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery. A quick toss in a hot pan with a teaspoon of oil will help restore the crunch.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce and slaw can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time. Prepare the shrimp coating mix and keep it ready. Fry the shrimp fresh for the best crispness right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and bold flavors can come together to create something truly memorable and fun to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a flavorful solo meal, these tacos hit all the right notes — crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are loaded with crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, tucked into soft tortillas, and topped with fresh slaw and herbs. These crowd-pleasing tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesday, or casual entertaining with bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the bang bang sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the slaw: In another bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, rice vinegar or lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper; mix well and set aside to marinate slightly.
- Soak shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk and let soak for 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare coating: In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil for frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying (around 350°F or when a small amount of coating sizzles upon contact).
- Coat and fry shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess coating, then carefully place in hot oil. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a bowl and toss with the prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Warm tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and soft.
- Assemble tacos: Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the prepared slaw, a few coated shrimp, then garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while shrimp are crispy and fresh.
Notes
- You can air fry or bake the shrimp instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to make it more or less spicy.
- Add avocado slices or pickled onions to the tacos for extra flavor and texture.
