Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Get ready to dive into a flavor explosion with this incredible Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe! These tacos combine crispy, spicy shrimp coated in that irresistible creamy bang bang sauce, nestled in soft tortillas, bursting with fresh toppings. It’s a quick, crave-worthy meal that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. If you’ve been searching for the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and zest, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are exactly what you need on your table right now.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy, creamy bang bang sauce with fresh toppings creates a sensational taste experience.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
• Crispy Texture: Lightly battered shrimp give every bite a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft tortillas.
• Customizable: You can easily swap toppings and spice levels to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: These tacos are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a fun meal for the whole household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. Each element plays a crucial role, from the spicy-sweet shrimp coating to the crunchy slaw topping.

• Shrimp: Use medium or large peeled and deveined shrimp for the perfect bite size and texture.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas work well as the delicious taco vessel.
• Bread Crumbs or Panko: Adds crispiness to the shrimp when fried or baked.
• Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy blend of mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice for that signature kick.
• Cabbage Slaw: Thinly sliced green and purple cabbage gives crunch and vibrant color.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright and herbaceous garnish that complements the rich shrimp.
• Lime Wedges: For squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos at the end to enhance brightness.

Variations for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Feel free to make this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe your own by experimenting with different ingredients and spice levels. It’s easy to adapt this dish for various diets and flavor preferences without losing the essence of what makes it so tasty.

• Grilled Shrimp: Skip the frying and grill shrimp for a lighter, smoky flavor alternative.
• Spicy Slaw: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cabbage slaw for an extra punch of heat.
• Dairy-Free Sauce: Substitute vegan mayo to make the bang bang sauce suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado for extra richness and healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and corn tortillas to keep it safe and delicious.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your preferred spice level.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them in a mixture of flour and seasoning before dipping in beaten egg and coating with breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

You can fry the shrimp in hot oil until golden and crispy or bake them on a lined sheet pan at 425°F (220°C) for around 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Prepare the Slaw

Combine thinly sliced green and purple cabbage with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a crunchy, zesty slaw topping.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas, spread a generous layer of bang bang sauce on the base, add crispy shrimp, then top with cabbage slaw and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensures the best texture and taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in batches for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Make Sauce Ahead: Prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance to let flavors meld.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil to prevent tearing.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat of the bang bang sauce by gradually adding Sriracha to your liking.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and extra lime wedges brighten up the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, adding color, freshness, and a zesty finish to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or a simple side of cilantro-lime rice to complete the meal with complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the shrimp and sauce in a taco bar-style setup, letting guests build their own tacos with a variety of toppings and sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days to maintain maximum freshness and texture.

Freezing

Fried shrimp can be frozen for up to a month but are best enjoyed fresh; freeze the bang bang sauce separately in a sealed jar to preserve its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness, and warm tortillas separately in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers and corn tortillas to keep the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing crunch or flavor.

What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best as they hold up well while cooking and provide the perfect bite size.

Is Bang Bang Sauce spicy?

Yes, the sauce has a moderate spicy kick from Sriracha, but you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste by varying the amount of hot sauce.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Definitely! Baking is a healthier alternative and still yields crispy shrimp if you use panko and cook at a high enough temperature.

How do I store leftover assembled tacos?

It’s best not to assemble tacos far in advance as the tortillas may become soggy; store components separately and assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of crispy shrimp, creamy bang bang sauce, and fresh slaw tucked into warm tortillas. This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a vibrant, delicious meal tonight!

Related Posts

• Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles
• Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Casserole

Print