When I made these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for the first time, I knew they were a keeper. The crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce nestled in a warm tortilla? It’s pure magic. Adding fresh, crunchy toppings and a drizzle of extra sauce makes every bite better than the last.
It’s a recipe that looks fancy enough for a gathering but is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, after just one try, you’ll be craving these tacos as much as my family and I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are more than just tasty; they’re an experience!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a dinner party, this dish strikes the balance between casual and special.
- Quick and Simple: With easy ingredients and a straightforward process, you can have these tacos ready in under an hour.
- Customizable Flavors: Want it spicier, milder, or even low-carb? These tacos adapt to whatever you’re in the mood for.
- Crispy Perfection: The shrimp’s crunch combined with the creamy sauce is truly irresistible.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise
- Chili garlic sauce
- Sriracha (optional)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Flour tortillas (or lettuce wraps)
- Shredded cabbage
- Radishes
- Jalapeños
- Green onion
- Cilantro
Variations
- Swap buttermilk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Opt for gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs.
- Add honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing Bowls: For sauce preparation and breading the shrimp.
- Frying Thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the right temperature.
- Cooling Rack: Keeps the shrimp crisp after frying.
- Tongs: Handy for frying and assembling.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Start by preparing everything you need. This way, the process runs smoothly, and you’ll have juicy, crispy shrimp and warm, fresh tacos on the table in no time. 🍤🌮
Make the Sauce
The signature Bang Bang sauce is the heart of this recipe! Combine mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and a touch of sriracha. Adjust the heat to your liking. Set it aside or refrigerate it if prepping earlier.
Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. The buttermilk ensures the shrimp stay tender and flavorful after frying. Marinate for about 20 minutes while you prep the rest.
Bread the Shrimp
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk, shake off excess liquid, and coat them in the flour mix. Lay them on a rack to dry slightly before frying.
Fry the Shrimp
Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep pot. 🧑🍳 Fry the shrimp in small batches until golden and crispy, around 4-5 minutes. Remember not to overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop, making the shrimp soggy. 🍤
Toss in Sauce
Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them gently in the prepared sauce. Reserve some sauce for drizzling over the assembled tacos.
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas (a grill pan works perfectly!). Add shredded cabbage, top with the saucy shrimp, and layer with radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle with more sauce, and they’re ready to serve! 🥑🌶️
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keep that frying temp steady for crispy, non-greasy shrimp.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepping the sauce a day ahead saves time and intensifies flavor.
- Double the Crunch: Allow the breaded shrimp to sit and “dry” before frying for an unbeatable texture.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
For a stunning presentation, serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and extra flavor. If you want to cut carbs, swap flour tortillas for lettuce wraps. These tacos also pair beautifully with a light side, like a citrusy coleslaw or a scoop of guacamole.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition per serving for these irresistible tacos:
- Calories: 1085
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 93g
- Fat: 61g
Make Ahead and Storage
Making these tacos ahead is easy! Fry the shrimp and store them separately from the sauce to keep them crispy. Reheat shrimp in a 200°F oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving, and toss them in the sauce right before assembling.
Leftovers? Store the fried shrimp and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want longer storage, freeze the shrimp (without sauce) in a resealable bag for up to a month.
There you have it! A foolproof recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that’s crispy, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit!