Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce with fresh, crunchy veggies wrapped in soft tortillas. This bold and vibrant dish is quick to make, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The tacos offer a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and freshness, making them a standout choice for seafood lovers and taco enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Batter
- 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Water or egg wash, for dredging
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
Taco Assembly
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas (use gluten-free corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or lettuce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for squeezing
Optional Garnishes and Extras
- Sliced green onions
- Thinly sliced jalapeño
- Pickled jalapeños or radishes for extra crunch
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Make the batter and fry shrimp: In a bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Dip each shrimp first in water or egg wash, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture to coat evenly. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F–375°F in a deep pan and fry the shrimp until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir until smooth and well blended to achieve a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Gently toss the fried shrimp in just enough Bang Bang sauce to coat them evenly while maintaining their crispiness.
- Assemble the tacos: Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet. Layer shredded cabbage or lettuce onto each tortilla, then add the coated shrimp. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add optional garnishes like green onions or sliced jalapeños as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature shrimp for even cooking and tender texture.
- Do not overcoat shrimp in sauce to avoid sogginess; toss lightly.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for maximum crispiness while frying.
- Warm tortillas properly on a dry skillet for better folding and authentic texture.
- A squeeze of lime juice cuts through richness and brightens flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (Tex-Mex / Seafood)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg