Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

If you’re craving something bold, fresh, and deliciously crunchy, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the perfect meal to satisfy your taste buds. Combining crispy shrimp tossed in a flavorful, spicy sauce with soft tortillas and vibrant toppings, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring together the best of texture and taste for an unforgettable taco night experience. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick and impressive dinner, these tacos deliver a wonderful punch of flavor that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunchy and creamy: Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce create a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Bold flavors: The zesty Bang Bang sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that wakes up your palate.
• Quick and easy: This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but fancy enough to impress guests.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt for dietary needs or ingredient swaps without losing that signature taste.
• Colorful presentation: Fresh veggies and herbs add brightness, making the dish as pretty to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each brings a key element: crispiness, spice, creaminess, or freshness, coming together to create a balanced and irresistible meal.

• Shrimp: Choose medium-sized, peeled and deveined shrimp for the perfect bite and texture.
• Batter ingredients: Flour and cornstarch combine to create the extra-crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully.
• Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha blend to deliver that iconic spicy-sweet creaminess.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas provide a warm, comforting base for the flavorful shrimp and toppings.
• Fresh veggies: Shredded cabbage or lettuce adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness.
• Herbs and garnishes: Cilantro and lime wedges brighten the dish and add layers of zest.

Variations for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are incredibly adaptable, whether you want to swap ingredients, adjust the spice level, or accommodate dietary preferences.

• Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for crispy cauliflower bites to enjoy a meat-free twist.
• Lower spice: Reduce the sriracha or swap it for mild hot sauce for a gentler heat.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour in the batter to keep it friendly for sensitive diets.
• Extra crunch: Add pickled jalapeños or radishes for a tangy crunch alongside the cabbage.
• Different sauces: Try blending chipotle mayo or avocado crema in place of classic Bang Bang sauce.

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How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prep the shrimp

Start by rinsing and drying your shrimp, then season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors before coating.

Step 2: Make the batter and fry shrimp

Mix flour and cornstarch for that light, crispy coating, then dip the shrimp in water or egg wash before dredging in the dry mix. Fry in hot oil until golden and crunchy, then drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang sauce

Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl, stirring until smooth and well blended to create the signature spicy, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Toss shrimp in sauce

Gently toss the crispy shrimp in just enough Bang Bang sauce to coat them evenly without losing their crunch.

Step 5: Assemble the tacos

Warm your tortillas and layer shredded cabbage or lettuce, then add the coated shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Use room temperature shrimp: They cook more evenly and stay tender.
• Don’t overcoat in sauce: Too much sauce can make shrimp soggy; toss lightly.
• Maintain hot oil: Keep your frying oil between 350°F and 375°F for maximum crispiness.
• Warm tortillas properly: Heat tortillas on a dry skillet for easy folding and authentic texture.
• Add acidity: A squeeze of lime cuts through richness and brightens flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

Top your tacos with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a few thin slices of jalapeño for extra heat and crunch. A drizzle of lime juice right before serving adds a refreshing zing that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with simple yet flavorful sides like Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or a crisp cucumber and radish slaw. These options keep the meal balanced without overpowering the primary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, serve the tacos build-your-own style with all ingredients laid out buffet-style, allowing guests to customize each bite. Using mini tortillas for bite-sized tacos is another fun way to make them appetizer-friendly and easy to enjoy at social events.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover shrimp and toppings separate from tortillas in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days to avoid sogginess and maintain freshness.

Freezing

While fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze uncooked seasoned shrimp. Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to one month. Fry directly from frozen for best results.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp in a hot skillet or oven to bring back crispiness, avoiding the microwave which may make them rubbery. Warm tortillas separately in a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha or another hot sauce to create a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy condiment that coats the shrimp perfectly.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the shrimp coating and ensure your tortillas are gluten-free corn tortillas to keep the recipe safe and delicious.

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The heat level depends on how much sriracha or hot sauce you add; you can easily adjust it to be mild or fiery according to your preference.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the shrimp and bake at a high temperature until crispy, but the texture will be slightly different from deep frying.

How long does it take to prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

From start to finish, including frying and assembly, these tacos usually take around 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick meals without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are truly a celebration of flavor and texture that bring excitement to any meal. With their crispy shrimp, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped in soft tortillas, they’re guaranteed to be a favorite at your dinner table. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to taco night delight!

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