Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful twist on classic shrimp dishes, combining crispy, spicy shrimp with a creamy, tangy sauce. These tacos offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Step 4: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Step 5: Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
7. Step 7: To assemble the tacos, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with fried shrimp, drizzle with the bang bang sauce, and add avocado slices.
8. Step 8: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the tortillas lightly before assembling the tacos.
• Substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Serve with a side of fresh salsa or cilantro for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet to preserve crispiness. Avoid reheating the assembled tacos to prevent sogginess; instead, assemble fresh when ready to eat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before soaking in buttermilk to ensure even cooking and proper flavor absorption.

Is it possible to make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas and cabbage crisp.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, spicy fried shrimp with a creamy, tangy sauce and fresh toppings, creating a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos balance heat and creaminess with crunchy cabbage and smooth avocado.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Lunch/Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Coating

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 inch oil, for frying (amount as needed)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Additional Toppings and Serving

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Soak the Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the shrimp and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour.
4. Apply Panko Breadcrumbs: Dip each floured shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick well.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust spice level according to taste.
7. Assemble the Tacos: On each tortilla, place a handful of shredded cabbage, top with several fried shrimp, drizzle with the bang bang sauce, then add sliced avocado on top.
8. Serve: Serve the shrimp tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

• Soaking shrimp in buttermilk helps tenderize and adds moisture for a crispier coating.
• Adjust sriracha quantity in sauce according to your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors just before eating.
• If you prefer, corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy shrimp without absorbing too much oil.

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Taco Recipe, Easy Dinner, Seafood Tacos