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
Scale
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.
