These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are packed with flavor, featuring crispy shrimp paired with a sweet and spicy sauce. The creamy Bang Bang sauce adds just the right amount of heat, balancing perfectly with the crispy texture of the shrimp. The warm tortillas and crunchy cabbage create a delightful contrast, making each bite a satisfying explosion of flavors and textures.
Perfect for taco night or a casual dinner, these shrimp tacos are not only quick to make but also incredibly delicious. Serve them as a fun appetizer or a main dish for a crowd. With their bright and zesty flavors, these tacos will definitely be a hit at any gathering.
Full Recipe:
-
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1/2 cup buttermilk
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup cornmeal
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Vegetable oil for frying
-
8 small flour tortillas
-
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
-
1/4 cup sliced green onions
-
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Bang Bang Sauce:
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
-
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
-
1 teaspoon honey
-
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
Directions:
-
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the batter.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Dip the shrimp in the batter and fry in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce until smooth and creamy.
-
Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
-
Assemble the tacos by placing a few fried shrimp in each tortilla, and topping with shredded cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of Bang Bang Sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos offer everything you could ask for in a taco: crispy shrimp, a spicy-sweet sauce, and a combination of flavors that pop with every bite. The crispy fried shrimp add a satisfying crunch that’s complemented by the freshness of shredded cabbage and green onions. The Bang Bang sauce, with its creamy base and spicy kick from the sriracha, perfectly ties all the ingredients together, creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or a seafood lover, these tacos cater to everyone’s taste buds. The versatility of the Bang Bang sauce allows it to pair beautifully with the shrimp, but it can also work wonders on other proteins like chicken or fish, offering endless variations of this dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Tips and Tricks
While the recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is straightforward, there are several ways to elevate it and make it even more irresistible.
Fried vs. Grilled Shrimp: While traditional Bang Bang Shrimp is fried, you can opt for grilled shrimp if you prefer a lighter option. Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor that works beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Taco Additions: Don’t limit yourself to just cabbage as a topping. For added texture and flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of lime crema. You can also include pickled red onions for a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the Bang Bang sauce.
Make it Your Own: If you like things extra spicy, add more sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the tacos. For those who prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha and balance it out with a little extra honey to keep the sauce sweet and savory without being too hot.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Shrimp
Achieving that perfect crispy shrimp is essential to the success of this dish. The key is using a combination of flour and cornmeal in the batter. The cornmeal adds a delightful crunch that flour alone can’t achieve. Be sure to coat the shrimp evenly and fry them in hot oil—too cold and the batter will be soggy; too hot and they will burn quickly. Frying shrimp in batches ensures they cook evenly and stay crispy.
Bang Bang Sauce: The Heart of the Tacos
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Bang Bang sauce. This sauce combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the sweetness of chili sauce and the heat of sriracha. It’s the perfect marriage of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that gives these tacos their signature taste. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. Adjust the sweetness and spice levels according to your preference, but don’t forget the honey—it’s the secret ingredient that helps balance the heat from the sriracha with a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
While the tacos themselves are delicious, they pair beautifully with several side dishes that will elevate your meal. Consider serving them with a light, refreshing salad such as a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. A side of seasoned rice, like cilantro lime rice, would also work well, giving the meal some substance without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the shrimp.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, these tacos make an excellent appetizer or main dish. Serve them as part of a taco bar, allowing guests to build their own tacos with a variety of toppings like guacamole, salsa, and even a drizzle of lime for that extra zesty finish.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and the Perfect Drink Pairings
Pairing the right drink with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will enhance the overall dining experience. For a refreshing option, go for a crisp, ice-cold lager or a pale ale. The light carbonation and mild bitterness of the beer will help balance the richness of the shrimp and the spiciness of the sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, an iced tea with lemon or a fresh lime soda will complement the tacos’ flavors beautifully. For those who enjoy a cocktail, a margarita with a touch of jalapeño for some added spice or a classic mojito would pair wonderfully with the shrimp and spicy sauce.
Variations of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
One of the best things about Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is how easily you can customize them to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, you can swap the shrimp for grilled chicken, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, gluten-free flour tortillas can be used to make the recipe gluten-free, while using almond flour or coconut flour in the batter will make it suitable for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
For an extra kick, try making the sauce with a touch of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos such a hit is the perfect balance between all the components. The crispy shrimp are satisfying on their own, but the creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce transforms them into something truly special. The fresh vegetables and herbs like cilantro add a burst of brightness, cutting through the richness of the sauce and giving the tacos an added layer of flavor.
Additionally, the recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this recipe is an easy yet impressive option.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Taco Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate dish for anyone who loves seafood with a spicy kick. This recipe brings together the perfect combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings to create a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—from taco night to casual dinner parties.
The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions. Whether you’re serving it for your family, friends, or a crowd, these tacos will be a guaranteed hit. So, the next time you’re craving something flavorful and fun, give these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos a try—you won’t be disappointed!
