The Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe: Spicy, Crispy Delight

Bang bang shrimp tacos bring an electrifying twist to traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Crispy seafood meets a fiery, creamy sauce that dances across your taste buds with remarkable intensity.

Each taco revamps an ordinary meal into a sensational culinary experience that sparks excitement and anticipation.

The harmonious blend of textures combines crunchy, tender elements with a tantalizing heat that gradually builds momentum.

Layers of flavor intertwine, creating a complex yet approachable dish that appeals to adventurous and cautious palates alike.

These tacos represent more than just a meal – they’re a celebration of bold, vibrant ingredients that challenge conventional cooking expectations.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe for a guaranteed flavor explosion.

Why Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Will Wow Your Taste Buds

• Crunch into Flavor Explosion: The perfectly fried shrimp delivers an irresistible crispy exterior that crackles with each bite, while the creamy Bang Bang sauce adds a tangy, spicy kick that makes these tacos absolutely addictive.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy families or spontaneous dinner gatherings without sacrificing gourmet taste and restaurant-quality presentation.
• Protein-Packed Delicious Option: Packed with 25g of protein and a balanced nutritional profile, these tacos offer a satisfying meal that's both indulgent and relatively nutritious, perfect for those wanting a tasty yet wholesome dinner.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The versatile recipe allows endless personalization with different toppings, making it exciting for both novice and experienced home cooks to create their own unique taco experience.

Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp work best for a tender and succulent texture.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and add tangy flavor to the shrimp during marination.

• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, light golden exterior when frying the shrimp.
• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil perfect for deep frying at high temperatures.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft, authentic base for the tacos with a traditional corn flavor.
• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha: Key ingredients for creating the classic Bang Bang sauce with creamy, sweet, and spicy notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings for enhancing the shrimps flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatic garnish to the tacos.
• Lettuce, Cabbage: Crisp, fresh elements that provide texture and coolness to the dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

Grab a bowl and mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of honey. Stir until smooth and set aside for later.

Step 2: Soak and Season the Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb all those amazing flavors.

Step 3: Create a Crispy Coating

Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge each piece in cornstarch, making sure they’re completely covered for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 375°F in a deep skillet or fryer. Carefully drop coated shrimp into hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Sauce and Toss

Drizzle half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the hot shrimp, gently tossing to coat each piece with delicious flavor.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

Quickly heat corn or flour tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet until they’re slightly charred and pliable.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

• Shredded cabbage
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Drizzle remaining sauce over the top and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Chill the Buttermilk Marinade: Let shrimp soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain precise 375°F oil, preventing soggy or burnt shrimp and achieving perfect golden crispiness.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture from marinated shrimp before coating with cornstarch to guarantee a super crispy exterior.
• Rest After Saucing: Allow sauced shrimp to sit for 2-3 minutes so the Bang Bang sauce slightly penetrates the crispy coating without making it soggy.
• Warm Tortillas Right: Quickly toast tortillas on a hot skillet for 15-20 seconds per side to enhance their flavor and prevent cracking when folding.

Storing and Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate the tortillas, shrimp, and sauce to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain optimal texture. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 1-2 days for the best flavor and quality.
• Reheating Shrimp: Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent rubbery texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make shrimp tough and chewy.
• Sauce and Assembly: Warm Bang Bang sauce separately and drizzle over reheated shrimp just before serving.

Pairing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Salsas

• Pair with Crisp Citrus Margarita: Cut through the rich, spicy shrimp with a tangy margarita featuring fresh lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur, balancing the creamy bang bang sauce's heat.
• Match with Zesty Cabbage Slaw: Create a refreshing side salad using shredded purple and green cabbage, cilantro, and a light vinaigrette to complement the crispy, saucy shrimp tacos.
• Serve with Chilled Mexican Beer: Grab a light lager like Corona or Modelo Especial, whose clean, cold profile will cool down the spicy kick and cleanse the palate between bites of the crunchy shrimp.
• Accompany with Creamy Avocado Crema: Blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth, cooling dip that enhances the taco's texture and balances its spiciness.

Fun Variations of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Spicy Crispy Chicken Tacos: Replace shrimp with tender, crispy chicken breast strips marinated in buttermilk and coated with cornstarch for a crunchy texture.
• Vegetarian Cauliflower Tacos: Swap shrimp with breaded cauliflower florets, using the same Bang Bang sauce and frying technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Baja Fish Tacos: Substitute shrimp with white fish like cod or tilapia, maintaining the buttermilk marinade and crispy coating for a classic seafood version.
• Korean-Inspired Pork Tacos: Use thinly sliced pork belly instead of shrimp, keeping the Bang Bang sauce and frying method for a rich, flavorful twist.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, zesty Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos deliver a spicy coastal sensation straight from California’s culinary playbook. Creamy sriracha mayo and perfectly seared shrimp create a dance of flavors that will make weekend dinner feel like a fiesta.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 8 to 12 small white corn tortillas, or hard taco shells
• 3 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, diced

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (94 g) corn starch
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Peanut oil or Canola oil for frying shrimp

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 3 teaspoons (15 ml) Sriracha hot sauce, or to taste
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (8 g) cilantro, coarsely chopped

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Instructions

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl to create the vibrant Bang Bang sauce, ensuring a smooth and well-blended consistency.
2. In a medium bowl, submerge fresh shrimp in buttermilk, then season generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, and granulated garlic powder. Allow shrimp to marinate for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Drain excess buttermilk from shrimp and transfer to a separate bowl filled with cornstarch, thoroughly coating each piece to create a crispy exterior.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 375°F (190°C), carefully placing coated shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even golden-brown frying.
5. Remove shrimp when they turn crisp and golden, about 2-3 minutes, and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
6. Gently toss the fried shrimp in half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce, allowing each piece to be lightly and evenly coated.
7. Warm corn or flour tortillas briefly on a griddle or skillet until they develop slight char marks and become pliable.
8. Assemble tacos by layering shredded cabbage, crispy shrimp, diced red onions, chopped cilantro, and drizzle with remaining Bang Bang sauce for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

• Customize your sauce intensity by adjusting sriracha or chili sauce for personal heat preference.
• Keep leftover Bang Bang sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days, perfect for future quick meals.
• Swap corn tortillas with flour if desired, ensuring they’re lightly warmed for maximum flexibility and flavor absorption.
• Choose fresh medium-sized shrimp with tails removed for easier eating and more consistent coating.
• Deep-frying works best with temperature-controlled oil, preventing sogginess and ensuring crispy, golden exteriors.
• Add chopped cilantro or green onions as final garnish for bright, fresh flavor contrast against rich, creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American-Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg