Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Mexican
Ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; Sriracha sauce, to taste; ½ cup buttermilk; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed; Canola oil or peanut oil, for frying; ¾ cup cornstarch; 8-12 small white corn tortillas or hard shell tacos; 3 cups shredded cabbage; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 2 green onions, sliced; Lime juice; Thinly sliced jalapeños, optional

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 16, 2025

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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are one of those blissful dishes that can easily elevate your dinner routine. Imagine crispy shrimp enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce, all snugly packed in warm tortillas—what’s not to love? With just the right amount of crunch and flavor, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings with friends. You’ll find that making them at home is simpler than it sounds, and the taste is undeniably restaurant-worthy. Perfect for sharing, or maybe just keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to whip up some mouthwatering Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that will leave everyone wanting more!

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a taco filled with perfectly fried shrimp. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos stand out because they balance crunchy and creamy textures, creating a delightful mouthfeel with every bite. Plus, the sauce is where the magic happens! Sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor, it gives the tacos a distinctive kick that will wow your taste buds.

These tacos are versatile too. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun family dinner, these tacos fit right in. Quick on prep and cooking time means you can even make them last minute. Plus, leftovers? They taste great the next day—if there are any left!

What is a Bang Bang Shrimp Taco

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not just your average taco; they’re a culinary adventure! Originating from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, these tacos take the same concept of crispy shrimp tossed in a rich sauce and package them into beautiful tacos. The combination of the soft tortilla with the crispy shrimp, fresh veggies, and zesty sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.

Traditionally served in Asian cuisine, the Bang Bang sauce mixes sweet and spicy, which complements the shrimp beautifully. When you wrap it with all the toppings, you create an irresistible taco that’s both fun and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating these delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Here’s what you’ll need:

¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce, to taste
½ cup buttermilk
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
Canola oil or peanut oil, for frying
¾ cup cornstarch
8-12 small white corn tortillas or hard shell tacos
3 cups shredded cabbage
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 green onions, sliced
Lime juice
Thinly sliced jalapeños, optional

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started!

Making the Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

Combine Sauce Ingredients

First things first, the sauce is what really brings the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos to life. In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your heat preference—taste testing is highly encouraged here!

This sauce will give your tacos that signature zing, making them something you’ll want to recreate again and again.

Preparing the Fried Shrimp

Marinate the Shrimp

Next up, let’s marinate the shrimp! In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the shrimp. Toss in the shrimp and stir until they’re all coated. Let that sit for about 15-30 minutes for the best flavor.

Heat the Oil

While the shrimp is marinating, let’s heat our oil. In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour in about 2 to 3 inches of canola or peanut oil. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches a sizzling 375°F—check this with a digital thermometer for accuracy. Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for achieving that crisp texture.

Coat the Shrimp

Once the oil is hot, it’s time to coat your shrimp! In a shallow bowl, add your cornstarch. Using tongs, take each shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it in the cornstarch, ensuring each side is evenly coated. This is what gives them that extra crunch when fried.

Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Keep an eye on your oil temperature, making sure it stays at 375°F for the crispiest results. After frying all the shrimp, toss them in that Bang Bang sauce you made earlier.

Assembling the Tacos

Toast the Tortillas

Now, let’s bring everything together! On a griddle or skillet over medium heat, lightly toast your tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until warm. This gives them a great texture, making them flexible for filling.

Fill the Tacos

To assemble, fill each tortilla generously with shredded cabbage. Layer on 2 to 3 pieces of your fried shrimp. Feel free to drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce over the top—nobody’s counting! Finally, top with cilantro, green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, and for those who like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos shine on their own but pair beautifully with a few sides. Here are some suggestions:

Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
A side of Mexican rice or refried beans can create a more complete meal.

Tips for Success

To make these tacos truly amazing, here are a couple of tips:

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to get the crispiest shrimp.
Adjust the Sriracha level in the sauce based on how spicy you like your food.

Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:

Swap the shrimp for your choice of fish or chicken for a different protein.
Instead of tortillas, you can use lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh option.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if), here’s how to store them:

Keep any leftover shrimp and sauce in separate airtight containers.
For the best flavor, consume them within 2 days.

Pairing Ideas

Looking to elevate your meal? Here are a few pairing ideas:

A refreshing mango salsa complements the sweet and spicy notes of the tacos perfectly.
Enjoy them with a crisp, cold beer or a zesty margarita for the ultimate taco night experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.

2. How spicy are Bang Bang shrimp tacos?
The spice level is entirely up to you! Adjust the amount of Sriracha used in the sauce to fit your preference.

3. Is it possible to make the shrimp ahead of time?
Certainly! You can fry the shrimp in advance and simply reheat them in the oven before serving.

4. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option! Bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, adjusting the time as needed.

5. What sides go well with Bang Bang shrimp tacos?
Consider pairing them with corn on the cob, guacamole, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring a burst of flavor that will light up your dinner table. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a weeknight treat, they promise to satisfy both the taste buds and the soul. Enjoy making this recipe and serving up smiles with every delicious bite!

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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

What is a Bang Bang Shrimp Taco

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos