Get ready to meet your new favorite meal: these incredible Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. This recipe is your ticket to creating restaurant-quality tacos at home, featuring unbelievably crispy shrimp drenched in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that truly lives up to its name. If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, you’ve found it. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these tacos are guaranteed to be a showstopper. Let’s dive into making the most delicious shrimp tacos you’ve ever had!
We’re not just making tacos; we’re crafting an experience. From the perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating on the shrimp to the cool, crisp slaw and the signature sauce that ties it all together, every element is designed for maximum flavor. Forget takeout—this is the real deal.
What Makes These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos So Irresistible?
The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance. You have the satisfying crunch of the fried shrimp, the zesty kick of the famous bang bang sauce, and the fresh, cooling effect of the slaw, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that makes every bite an adventure. Unlike other recipes, our method ensures the shrimp stay crispy even after being tossed in the sauce.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Tacos
Success starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this amazing dish to life, broken down by component.
For the Crispy Shrimp
- Shrimp: One pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, is the star of the show.
- Buttermilk: This is our secret weapon for a tender shrimp and helps the coating adhere perfectly.
- Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: A fifty-fifty mix creates a light, yet incredibly crispy coating that stands up to the sauce.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper gives the shrimp a savory foundation.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil is essential.
For the Signature Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our sauce. Use a full-fat, good-quality mayo for the best results.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds the signature sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
- Sriracha: For that extra kick of heat! Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
- Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice cuts through the richness and brightens everything up.
For Assembly & Toppings
- Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas work best. We’ll toast them for extra flavor.
- Coleslaw Mix: A simple bag of coleslaw mix adds a refreshing crunch.
- Toppings: We love cilantro, sliced green onions, and a few lime wedges for serving.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the best homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the other components. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Slaw
In another bowl, take a cup of the coleslaw mix and toss it with two tablespoons of the bang bang sauce. This creates a simple, creamy slaw that perfectly complements the spicy shrimp. Set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Crispy Perfection
First, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl with the buttermilk. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat your oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, take the shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them in the flour mixture, and carefully add to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
Toss the wonderfully crispy shrimp in the remaining bang bang sauce until they are fully coated. Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for about 15-20 seconds per side. Now for the fun part: fill each tortilla with a helping of the creamy slaw, top with a few saucy shrimp, and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Frying the shrimp in batches is crucial. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy shrimp instead of crispy ones.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, you can dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture a second time before frying.
- Toast Your Tortillas: Don’t skip this step! Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and adds a lovely, toasty flavor that elevates the entire taco. Looking for another great taco recipe? Try this Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic fried version is fantastic, here are a couple of other ways to prepare your shrimp.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
For a lighter version, you can make the shrimp in the air fryer. Prepare the shrimp as directed. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with oil, and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Then, toss with the sauce and assemble your tacos.
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp
If you love grilling, this one’s for you! Skip the coating and toss the raw shrimp with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Thread them onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, toss them in the bang bang sauce. For another fantastic grilled main, consider this Grilled Choripan recipe.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a meal in themselves, but if you want to create a full spread, they pair wonderfully with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a simple corn salsa. For a fun and easy side, these Mini Corn Dogs are always a crowd-pleaser.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
It’s best to store the components separately to maintain their texture. Keep the cooked shrimp, sauce, and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the shrimp, use an air fryer or oven to help them crisp up again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make air fryer bang bang shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the coated shrimp in a single layer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Then, toss with the sauce and serve.
It’s best to store the cooked shrimp separately from the sauce and slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the shrimp in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Our signature recipe is made from a simple mixture of good-quality mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha for heat, and a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
There are two key secrets to crispy shrimp. First, fry them in oil that’s preheated to 350°F (175°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan. Second, wait to toss the shrimp in the bang bang sauce until you are just about to assemble and serve the tacos.
We love a simple garnish of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Other great toppings include diced avocado, thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these tacos, you might also love our Creamy Salmon Gnocchi or this simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. They are perfect for your next dinner plan!
A Final Word on These Amazing Tacos!
We are so excited for you to try this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe! It’s a flavor-packed dish that truly delivers on its promise of crispy, saucy perfection. We’re confident it will become a new favorite in your home. Be sure to make a big batch, because they’ll disappear fast! If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and on Pinterest!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: The Crispiest, Sauciest Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of the coleslaw mix with 2 tablespoons of the prepared bang bang sauce. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry. Place them in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Sauce the Shrimp: Place the hot, crispy shrimp in a large bowl and pour over the remaining bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side. Fill each tortilla with the creamy slaw, top with several pieces of sauced shrimp, and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't sauce the shrimp until you are ready to serve. This will keep them as crispy as possible.
Tip 3: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to your flour and cornstarch mixture.
