Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe That’ll Wow Your Taste Buds

Sizzling and packed with flavor, these bang bang shrimp tacos burst onto your plate with an irresistible combination of crispy, spicy goodness.

The signature bang bang sauce creates a tantalizing dance of creamy heat that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Tender shrimp get coated in a perfectly seasoned crisp coating that adds delightful crunch to every bite.

Each taco promises a vibrant explosion of textures and tastes that effortlessly blend zesty and creamy elements.

Fresh toppings add brightness and balance to the rich, spicy shrimp.

Soft tortillas cradle this delectable filling, ensuring every mouthful delivers maximum deliciousness.

Let’s find out this restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in minutes and guarantees to become your new weeknight favorite.

Storing Leftover Shrimp Tacos Without Soggy Shells

• Quick Batch Prep: Chop all ingredients and make sauce ahead of time to streamline cooking process, saving 15-20 minutes during actual meal preparation.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep cooked shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days, maintaining crispy texture and fresh flavor when reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm leftover shrimp in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave which can make coating soggy and rubbery.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in sealed bags for up to one month, thawing overnight in refrigerator before cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Ingredient Breakdown

• Large Shrimp: Fresh, plump seafood that creates a crispy, succulent centerpiece with delicate sweet flavor; choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed varieties for best taste.
• Cornstarch: Magical powder that ensures ultra-crispy exterior, creating light and crunchy coating for shrimp.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that tenderizes shrimp and helps breading stick perfectly.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Flavor-boosting seasonings that enhance shrimp's natural taste with aromatic depth.

• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha Hot Sauce: Vibrant condiments that deliver sweet-heat explosion, balancing complex flavor profile.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that mellows spiciness and creates silky sauce texture.

• White Corn Tortillas: Soft, authentic vessels that cradle crispy shrimp with traditional Mexican charm.
• Purple Cabbage, Green Cabbage: Crunchy, colorful vegetables that add refreshing texture and nutritional boost.
• Tomato: Juicy, bright ingredient that brings garden-fresh zest to taco experience.
• Cilantro: Aromatic herb that provides clean, citrusy note and authentic Mexican garnish.
• Peanut Oil or Canola Oil: Neutral cooking oils perfect for achieving golden, crispy shrimp without overpowering flavor.

Tools for Cooking Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Fast

• Large mixing bowl: For marinating shrimp and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend Bang Bang sauce smoothly.
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for frying shrimp at correct temperature.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling and turning shrimp while frying.
• Thermometer: Ensures oil reaches precise 375°F for crispy shrimp.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove shrimp from hot oil and drain excess oil.
• Small bowl: For extra Bang Bang sauce and additional toppings.
• Paper towels: To drain and blot fried shrimp, keeping them crispy.
• Cutting board: For prepping any fresh toppings like cilantro or lime.

Instructions to Build Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Sauce Magic

Whip up a zesty Bang Bang sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. Mix together creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a splash of sriracha for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

• Shrimp Transformation

Bathe plump, fresh shrimp in a tangy buttermilk bath seasoned with aromatic spices. This magical marinade tenderizes and infuses the seafood with mouthwatering flavors that’ll have your friends begging for more.

• Crispy Coating

Dust those marinated shrimp in a light cornstarch blanket, then send them on a quick swim in sizzling hot oil. Watch as they turn into golden, crunchy gems that are irresistibly crisp and light.

• Taco Assembly

Warm up soft tortillas until they’re slightly charred and flexible. Layer them with the saucy, crispy shrimp, then pile on fresh toppings like crunchy cabbage slaw, zesty cilantro, and a drizzle of that killer Bang Bang sauce.

• Flavor Finale

Serve these bad boys immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and freshness that’ll transport you to a beachside taco paradise.

Sauce Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Flavor

• Swap traditional Bang Bang sauce with sriracha mayo or chipotle cream for a different flavor kick that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Try panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of cornstarch for an extra crunchy exterior that adds exciting texture to your shrimp.
• Load up tacos with fresh slaw, pickled red onions, or mango salsa to bring bright, tangy notes that complement the rich, spicy shrimp perfectly.
• Replace regular flour tortillas with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free version that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of deliciousness.
• Experiment with chicken, cauliflower, or tofu as alternative proteins if shrimp isn't your go-to, keeping the same crispy cooking method and zesty sauce.

How to Serve Bang Bang Tacos with Style

• Crisp Crunch Combo: Layer extra crispy lettuce or cabbage slaw underneath the shrimp to add refreshing texture and balance the rich, spicy flavors of the Bang Bang sauce.
• Fresh Fiesta Finish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the tacos to brighten the overall taste and add vibrant color to the dish.
• Cooling Comfort Companion: Serve alongside a quick cucumber-yogurt dip or creamy avocado sauce to provide a cool contrast to the crispy, spicy shrimp and help temper the heat for those who prefer milder flavors.
• Party Plate Presentation: Arrange tacos on a large wooden board with small ramekins of extra Bang Bang sauce, allowing guests to customize their own taco experience and create an interactive, fun dining moment.

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy bang bang shrimp tacos blend zesty flavors with crispy seafood and creamy sauce. Cool slaw and warm tortillas complete this crowd-pleasing meal people love sharing together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, peeled, deveined, tails removed
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) corn starch
• 3 cups cabbage, purple or green, thinly sliced
• 8 to 12 white corn tortillas, small, or hard taco shells
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ¼ cup (8 g) cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 3 tsp (15 ml) sriracha hot sauce, or to taste
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• peanut oil or canola oil for frying shrimp

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Blend mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey into a harmonious, smooth Bang Bang sauce, whisking until completely integrated and vibrant.
2. Shrimp Marination: Immerse shrimp in buttermilk, seasoning with kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavors throughout the seafood.
3. Coating Process: Drain buttermilk and thoroughly dredge shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is completely enveloped for an ultra-crispy exterior that will provide delightful textural contrast.
4. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a heavy skillet, carefully introducing shrimp in strategic batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and achieve uniform golden-brown perfection within 2-3 minutes.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Drain fried shrimp on paper towels, then gently toss in half the prepared Bang Bang sauce, allowing each morsel to be delicately coated with the zesty mixture.
6. Tortilla Transformation: Quickly warm corn or flour tortillas on a griddle, creating subtle char marks and rendering them wonderfully pliable and inviting.
7. Final Assembly: Construct tacos by layering shredded cabbage as a crisp foundation, topping with sauced shrimp, sprinkling diced red onions and chopped cilantro, then finishing with a dramatic drizzle of remaining Bang Bang sauce for maximum flavor complexity.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and infuse deeper taste profiles, ensuring juicier and more flavorful results.
• Maintain Precise Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 375°F to achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown shrimp without absorbing excess grease or becoming soggy.
• Control Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the skillet by frying shrimp in small batches, which prevents temperature drop and ensures even, crisp coating on each piece.
• Sauce Technique Matters: Reserve half the Bang Bang sauce for drizzling to provide layered flavor complexity and prevent overwhelming the delicate shrimp texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg