Golden-brown shrimp nestled in warm tortillas deliver a perfect crunch with every bite, followed by a creamy, spicy kick from the Bang Bang sauce and a cool pop of slaw. These tacos strike the ideal balance between heat and freshness, making weeknight dinners or laid-back gatherings something to look forward to. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Key Ingredients
Gather these essentials to build layers of flavor and texture in every taco:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Plump seafood that takes center stage, soaking up the crispy coating and sauce.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light base for the crunchy dredge.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the shrimp exterior.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a mild smokiness and bright color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Kicks up the heat in the coating.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances flavors throughout.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp and helps the coating stick.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures even, golden crisping.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: Soft wraps to hold all the tasty fillings.
- 1 cup coleslaw mix: Provides a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Creamy richness to mellow the spice.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced: Fresh bite and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup Bang Bang sauce (1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp sriracha): Creamy, sweet-spicy drizzle that ties it all together.
How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ready to roll up your sleeves? This recipe walks you through coating, frying, and assembling super-crunchy shrimp tacos that burst with flavor. Follow each step to achieve that perfect balance of textures—from the crisp shrimp to the soft tortilla and creamy sauce.
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to make the dredge mix.
2. Pour buttermilk into a second bowl. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat. Once it reaches 350°F, carefully add shrimp in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. While shrimp fries, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. To assemble, layer coleslaw mix in each tortilla, top with fried shrimp, avocado slices, and a generous drizzle of Bang Bang sauce.
6. Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions for extra zing and color.
7. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate crunch and creaminess together.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos shine when paired with the right sides and drinks. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more memorable:
- Fresh lime wedges on the side add a bright citrus burst—squeeze over the shrimp just before eating.
- Chilled margarita or ice-cold beer offers a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy sauce.
- Pickled jalapeños or a mango salsa bring an extra layer of sweet-heat complexity.
- Parchment paper wraps or decorative taco holders keep things tidy and photo-ready.
Tips For Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
These tacos are all about contrast and balance, so small tweaks can take them from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re dialing up the heat or making them a bit lighter, here’s how to nail each element with confidence:
- Adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by reducing or increasing the sriracha.
- For a lighter twist, bake the shrimp instead of frying—425°F for 12–15 minutes yields a crisp finish.
- Ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and lively entertaining—batch-fry and let guests build their own tacos.
- Don’t be shy with extra toppings like mango salsa or fresh cilantro to amplify the flavor profile.
How To Store It
Planning ahead? Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh without losing that signature crunch and color:
- Refrigerate shrimp, sauce, and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days—assemble just before eating.
- Freeze cooked shrimp and sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Store tortillas in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days; warm before serving.
- Keep coleslaw mix chilled in an airtight container and add dressing only when you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to common questions about your new favorite taco:
- How long does it take to prepare and cook Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
From start to finish, it takes about 35–40 minutes. This includes 10–15 minutes for ingredient prep (measuring spices, slicing avocado and green onions, mixing the sauce), 10 minutes to heat oil and dredge shrimp, and 10–15 minutes to fry the shrimp and assemble the tacos.
- Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying for a healthier option?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Dredge the shrimp in the flour–cornstarch mixture as directed, place them on the sheet without touching, and spray the tops with oil. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crispy.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce?
To reduce heat, use less sriracha (start with ½ teaspoon) or omit it entirely and increase sweet chili sauce. For more heat, add up to 2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred level of spice.
- Is it okay to use frozen shrimp? If so, how should I prepare them?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This ensures the coating adheres properly and the shrimp fry up crispy.
- How can I prevent the tacos from getting soggy?
Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil. Warm the tortillas just before assembly so they stay pliable. Layer a small amount of coleslaw first to create a barrier, then add the shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately to maintain crispness.
- Which tortillas work best for these tacos?
Small flour or corn tortillas both work well. Flour tortillas are softer and slightly sweeter, while corn tortillas offer a more traditional texture and a hint of corn flavor. Warm them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
- Can I prepare any components in advance to save time?
Yes. You can mix the dry dredge ingredients and whip up the Bang Bang sauce up to a day ahead—store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Keep the coleslaw mix and green onions prepped and refrigerated until assembly.
What Makes This Special
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos nail the trifecta of crunch, spice, and creaminess in every bite, making them an instant hit whether you’re feeding your family or wowing friends. The crispy shrimp paired with cool slaw and zippy sauce hits all the right notes, and the soft tortilla ties it together beautifully. Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder—just don’t forget to leave a comment or question if you give these a try or need a hand mastering that perfect fry!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Description
Golden-brown shrimp sizzle as you bite, giving way to a creamy, spicy kick from the Bang Bang sauce and a cool crunch of slaw wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
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In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the tortillas. Warm them in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
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To assemble the tacos, place a handful of coleslaw mix in the center of each tortilla. Top with the fried shrimp, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of Bang Bang sauce.
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Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Note
- You can adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce by modifying the sriracha amount.
- For a healthier option, try baking the shrimp instead of frying.
- These tacos are perfect for entertaining or a casual dinner night.
- Feel free to add other toppings like mango salsa or cilantro for extra flavor.
