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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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