Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and fun textures! Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! combines crispy, spicy shrimp with creamy avocado and crunchy cabbage, all nestled in warm tortillas. This recipe brings together bold, zesty flavors and easy-to-find ingredients for a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. It’s the kind of taco that makes your taste buds dance and keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element adds its own special touch—whether it’s the tender shrimp, the crispy coating, or the creamy, spicy sauce that brings it all together.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, providing a juicy, tender bite every time.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Used to soak the shrimp, making them extra tender and helping the coating stick perfectly.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Combines with the spices to give the shrimp a flavorful crust.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth that enhances the shrimp’s taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic flavor booster that blends seamlessly with the other spices.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and balance to the spice mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness for a well-rounded profile.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crispy exterior on the shrimp.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Brings a balance of sweetness and spice to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Kicks the sauce up a notch with vibrant heat.
• 8 small flour tortillas: Soft and warm, the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings.
• 2 cups shredded cabbage: Adds crisp freshness and a satisfying crunch.
• 1 avocado, sliced: Provides creamy, cooling contrast against the spicy shrimp.
• Lime wedges, for serving: A zesty finish that brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Step 1: Tenderize and Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by soaking your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is key because the acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the breading stick beautifully later on.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend is packed with flavor, ensuring that every bite of shrimp has a tasty, slightly smoky, and well-spiced crust.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off the excess. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip them back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat them with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well. This double coating guarantees that perfect, crispy texture that makes these shrimp irresistible.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Lay them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This step is where those crispy, crunchy crusts come alive, creating a sensational contrast with the tender shrimp inside.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Taste and adjust the heat to your liking. This creamy, spicy sauce is what turns these shrimp tacos into a celebration of flavors and is truly the heart of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Start with a handful of shredded cabbage on each warm tortilla, add a few crispy shrimp, then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Top with creamy avocado slices for richness and grab a lime wedge to squeeze over everything for that citrusy pop. Get ready for a fiesta of textures and flavors in every bite.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate these tacos to the next level. Bright cilantro leaves, thinly sliced radishes, or even a sprinkle of chopped green onions add vibrant color and contrasting textures that make every mouthful more exciting. Don’t forget the lime wedges — a quick squeeze gives your tacos a fresh, zingy lift that balances the creamy sauce and spicy shrimp perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! with sides that complement their bold flavors. A light, tangy mango salsa or a simple black bean salad adds sweetness and earthiness. For something cooler, a creamy cucumber salad or a chilled corn and avocado salad offers balance and variety to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun, especially when sharing with friends and family. Serve your tacos on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter with mini bowls of the bang bang sauce and garnishes nearby for extra DIY flair. Or stack the tacos in a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and warm until ready to eat. Little details make the experience even more enjoyable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, separate the shrimp, sauce, and toppings before storing. Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep the cabbage and avocado separate to maintain their fresh texture. The sauce can be stored in a small jar or container for easy reuse.

Freezing

While the fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh for crispiness, you can freeze the cooked shrimp (without toppings) if needed. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that reheated shrimp won’t have quite the same crunch but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

To reheat shrimp, use a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again, usually 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Warm your tortillas separately on a dry skillet or in the oven to preserve texture and softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before soaking in buttermilk to get the best result for the crispy coating.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The heat level is flexible! The cayenne in the flour mix and sriracha in the sauce provide a nice kick, but you can always adjust the sriracha amount to suit your personal spice preference.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter version, bake the coated shrimp on a greased baking sheet at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, so it’s not gluten-free. However, swapping in gluten-free alternatives for flour and breadcrumbs will make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! that brings a burst of flavor and crunch that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for fun, flavor, and simplicity. Give it a go, and you’ll have a new favorite taco on your hands in no time!

Print