If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and a bit of spice, then these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are exactly what you need. Combining crispy, juicy shrimp with a creamy, zesty sauce wrapped in soft tortillas, this recipe elevates everyday tacos into an irresistible meal. The perfect balance of heat, crunch, and freshness will have you coming back for more, making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos an absolute showstopper for any lunch, dinner, or casual get-together.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the iconic taste and texture of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy panko coating that adds crunch to the spicy-sweet sauce that gives the dish its signature kick. Here’s what you’ll need to create these tacos that are as colorful as they are delicious.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp provides a tender, succulent protein base.
1 cup buttermilk: Soaks the shrimp to tenderize and add subtle tanginess.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating, ensuring the shrimp fry up beautifully.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a mild smoky flavor to the coating.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs a punch of savory depth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a sweet, aromatic note to the seasoning mix.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings the right amount of spicy heat to the coating.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance and enhance all flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of sharpness.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates the crispy crunch that makes the shrimp irresistible.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that ties the dish together.
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and gentle heat to the sauce.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Boosts the sauce with bold, spicy flavor—adjust to taste.
8 small flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps to hold all the delicious fillings.
2 cups shredded cabbage: Adds freshness and crunch as the perfect taco bed.
1 avocado, sliced: Creamy, cool slices that balance the heat and texture.
Lime wedges: For a bright, zesty finish just before biting in.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by soaking your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This simple soaking step works wonders to tenderize the shrimp while infusing subtle tang, which brightens up each bite and preps the shrimp perfectly for a crunchy coating.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

While your shrimp bathe in tangy buttermilk, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This seasoned flour blend packs the crispy coating with layers of flavor, giving your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that irresistible kick and aroma before frying.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat them in the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra. This step starts the process to create that light yet crunchy crust essential to crunchy, mouthwatering Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Step 4: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs

Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk to moisten, then dip into panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick well. This double-layer coating ensures the shrimp fry up golden brown with a perfectly textured crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches so they cook evenly, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. These crispy fried shrimp are the heart of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and should be sizzling, crunchy, and tender all at once.

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you’d like your sauce. This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is what sets the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos apart, adding irresistible zest and a silky finish.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

Lay a handful of shredded cabbage on each warm tortilla, then top with the crispy shrimp. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce and add a few slices of creamy avocado. The cool avocado and crunchy cabbage balance the spicy shrimp and sauce perfectly.

Step 8: Serve with Lime Wedges

Serve the tacos with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over just before eating. The bright, citrusy tang lifts all the flavors and makes every bite fresh and exciting.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

While these tacos don’t need much, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a handful of thinly sliced green onions can add a fresh herbal note to complement the spicy shrimp and creamy avocado. Thinly sliced radishes also offer a peppery crunch that makes each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with some light and refreshing sides like a simple corn salad, black bean and corn salsa, or even a tangy mango slaw. These bright accompaniments balance the rich, spicy shrimp and keep the meal feeling fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these tacos on mini tostada shells for extra crunch or wrap them in large lettuce leaves to keep things low-carb and adding fresh crispness. You can also assemble the tacos on a large platter for a casual taco party where everyone can build their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the fried shrimp, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help keep the shrimp crispy when reheated and prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp before assembling by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen shrimp can be reheated in the oven or skillet for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, warm them gently in an oven or skillet until crisp again. The sauce and fresh toppings are best added just before serving to keep the textures and flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before soaking in buttermilk. This helps ensure the coating sticks well and the shrimp cooks evenly.

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

They have a pleasant kick thanks to cayenne in the coating and sriracha in the sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Just be sure your seasoning blend and tortillas are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

Soft flour tortillas are classic for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, providing a tender yet sturdy wrap. However, corn tortillas can also work well if you prefer a more traditional taco flavor.

Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before drizzling on your tacos.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a celebration of textures and bold flavors that you’ll want to share with everyone you know. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Dive in and enjoy the crispiness, creaminess, and perfect spice that make these tacos truly unforgettable.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 19 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and crispy delight featuring tender shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce, served with fresh shredded cabbage and avocado slices on warm flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gatherings, they combine crunchy textures with a tangy kick that everyone will love.

Instructions

Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize the shrimp and add flavor.
Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned coating.
Dredge Shrimp in Flour: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Coat Shrimp with Panko: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then press each into the panko breadcrumbs to thoroughly coat.
Fry Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha amount to your preferred spice level.
Assemble Tacos: Place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, layer with fried shrimp, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, and top with avocado slices.
Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos to add a fresh, zesty finish.

Notes

For spicier tacos, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or sprinkle extra cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, ensuring other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed.
Make sure the oil temperature is hot enough before frying to get a crispy coating but not so hot that the shrimp burn.
These tacos are best eaten immediately for maximum crispiness, but sauces can be prepared ahead of time.
Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 500
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, spicy shrimp tacos, fried shrimp tacos, creamy shrimp tacos, quick dinner recipe, seafood tacos