Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor and excitement, let me introduce you to the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. This dish is a spectacular blend of crispy, tender shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, all nestled inside warm tortillas with fresh, crunchy toppings. It’s a perfect balance of heat, texture, and zest that feels like a fiesta in every bite. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tacos promise a vibrant and unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crispy coating on the shrimp to the tangy and spicy sauce, and the fresh vegetables provide that irresistible crunch.

• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, making it luscious and smooth.
• Chili garlic sauce: Adds the signature spicy kick and depth to the sauce.
• Sriracha sauce (optional): Boosts heat for those who love a bit more fire in their bite.
• Extra-large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star ingredient that packs a juicy, tender punch.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp for a juicy and flavorful bite.
• All-purpose flour: Combines with cornstarch to achieve a perfectly crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Essential for extra crunch and lightness in the breading.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season the breading just right for that delicious savory edge.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp to golden, crispy perfection.
• Taco-sized flour tortillas or Bibb lettuce leaves: Your vessel for packing all those incredible flavors.
• Shredded cabbage: Adds crispness and freshness inside each taco.
• Thinly sliced radishes: Provide a peppery crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy shrimp.
• Thinly sliced jalapeño peppers: Bring a subtle heat and vibrant color for garnish.
• Sliced green onions: Add a mild onion flavor that brightens each bite.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous element that ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and optional Sriracha until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat and tang. This sauce is where the “bang” in Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe truly shines, so make sure it’s blended well and chill it while you prep the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak up the tangy liquid for 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor, which makes the shrimp irresistibly juicy once cooked.

Step 3: Prepare Your Breading Station

Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl. This mix ensures that your shrimp get that perfect crispy crust. Set up a cooling rack over a sheet pan to place shrimp after breading, and prepare another station for draining excess oil later. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep cooked shrimp warm.

Step 4: Bread the Shrimp

Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk and toss them in the flour mixture in batches, shaking off any excess flour. Laying them on the cooling rack helps the coating dry slightly, ensuring they fry up nice and crispy without clumping together.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a thermometer guarantees that the shrimp will cook evenly and get that golden crispiness without absorbing too much oil.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully drop a handful of shrimp into the hot oil. After about a minute, stir gently to separate any shrimp sticking together. Continue frying for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes until they turn golden and perfectly crispy.

Step 7: Keep the Shrimp Warm and Continue Frying

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp onto a draining rack to remove extra oil. Keep them warm in the oven while you finish frying the remaining shrimp, making sure the oil temperature stays steady between batches.

Step 8: Sauce the Shrimp

Once all your shrimp are fried and golden, toss them in one cup of the bang bang sauce so every piece is evenly coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. Hold onto the rest of the sauce to drizzle over your tacos before serving.

Step 9: Assemble the Tacos

Grab your warmed tortillas or fresh Bibb lettuce leaves and fill each with a handful of shredded cabbage for crunch and freshness. Top with the sauced shrimp, drizzle more bang bang sauce if you like, then finish off with radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro for that perfect pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy every textural contrast at its best.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes are the finishing touches that elevate your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery crisp, jalapeños bring a subtle heat, green onions introduce fresh brightness, and cilantro ties it all together with its fragrant herbal notes. Don’t skip these—they add layers of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these tacos with simple sides like Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or even a light avocado cucumber salad. These dishes complement the rich shrimp and creamy sauce while adding variety to the meal, making it feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp in crisp Bibb lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option that still packs crunch. You can also get creative by offering a topping bar with extra cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and radish slices so everyone can customize their own Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe experience at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover sauced shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the tortillas or lettuce separate and fresh garnishes on the side to maintain the best texture when reheating and assembling again.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the breaded texture and sauce may suffer a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the fried shrimp separately without the sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some crispness before saucing again.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp in a 350-degree oven or air fryer for about 5 to 7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy. Once warmed, toss shrimp in fresh bang bang sauce and assemble tacos just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating; excess moisture can interfere with the breading sticking properly and achieving a crispy texture.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Simply reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce and Sriracha from the bang bang sauce. The mayo base still provides richness and flavor without overwhelming heat, making the tacos suitable for all palates.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

While frying gives the best crunch, you can bake breaded shrimp in a preheated 425-degree oven on a wire rack to mimic crispiness. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.

What tortillas work best for these tacos?

Flour tortillas are classic and flexible, holding all the fillings nicely, but corn tortillas offer a more traditional feel with a slightly firmer texture. Bibb lettuce is a great alternative for a fresh, low-carb option.

Is the bang bang sauce versatile?

Absolutely! Beyond these shrimp tacos, the bang bang sauce is fantastic as a dip for veggies or fried foods, drizzled over grilled chicken, or mixed into grain bowls for a spicy creamy kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that is as fun to make as it is to eat, the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of crunchy shrimp, zesty sauce, and fresh toppings hits every craving spot just right. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive into this flavorful taco experience that’s sure to impress every time.

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