If you’re searching for a taco night game-changer, look no further than this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Each bite delivers crave-worthy crunch, a tang of creamy, spicy sweetness, and bursts of vibrant freshness—all bundled in a perfectly warmed tortilla. The addictive Bang Bang sauce sets this apart from any ordinary taco, and trust me, once you make this dish, you may never go back to boring tacos again!

Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe’s beauty lies in its simple but flavorful cast of ingredients. Every bite is built from the crunchy, golden shrimp to the zesty, creamy sauce and the fresh pops of cabbage and herbs—each component plays a starring role in this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.

Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for maximum meatiness; they fry up juicy and tender.
Buttermilk: Marinating the shrimp in buttermilk keeps them moist and tender while letting seasonings soak in.
Cornstarch: Added to the dredge for an extra-light, ultra-crisp coating you’ll love biting into.
All-purpose flour: Blends with cornstarch for a balanced crunch and helps the coating stay on each shrimp.
Smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and beautiful color to every bite.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the dry mix with a savory depth that makes the flavors pop.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning, but essential for brightening up every part of this dish.
Vegetable oil: The best choice for high-heat frying so your shrimp get perfectly golden.
Flour or corn tortillas: Choose your favorite for the taco base—both bring something deliciously different to the table.
Shredded cabbage: Brings crispness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle on top brightens and freshens each taco—don’t skip it!
Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime just before eating creates irresistible, zingy contrast.
Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the Bang Bang sauce; choose good-quality for the best flavor.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sticky-sweet heat and vibrant color to the sauce.
Sriracha: Brings adjustable spiciness; use more or less according to your heat preference.
Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to brighten the sauce without overpowering.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by whisking buttermilk together with a good pinch of salt and black pepper in a bowl. Toss in the shrimp, making sure each one is nicely submerged. This quick marinade not only tenderizes but lets a little flavor soak in, setting the stage for that juicy, succulent bite you’re after. Let the shrimp marinate while you prep your dredging station.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

While your shrimp marinates, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, more salt, and black pepper in a separate shallow dish. This blend creates an irresistibly light and crispy coating when fried. Gently dredge each shrimp, making sure it’s thoroughly coated, then shake off any excess for even frying.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Pour 1–2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once until golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and your shrimp won’t crisp up. Transfer each batch to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust the heat if you like it spicier. This sauce is truly the secret weapon in the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe! Make it ahead if you like—the flavors get even better as they meld.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Heat your tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, or go bold and char them over an open flame for a touch of smokiness. Warm tortillas are softer and wrap around the ingredients so much better—and the flavor payoff is worth it!

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

To build your Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, start with a layer of shredded cabbage for crunch, then pile on a few crispy shrimp. Drizzle generously with your homemade Bang Bang sauce, and finish with fresh cilantro and a big squeeze of lime. Each taco bursts with flavor, ready to make you (and your lucky guests) swoon!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

Top your tacos with extra cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little nuttiness. Don’t forget those lime wedges on the side—everyone will want that extra squirt of citrus zing. A few slices of jalapeño are perfect if you love a little extra fire!

Side Dishes

Round out the meal with cool, refreshing sides like a crunchy cucumber salad, tangy slaw, or a bowl of creamy avocado salsa. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with crispy tortilla chips and your favorite salsa or a classic Mexican street corn. The textures and flavors all play off the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving the tacos on a big wooden board, set up taco-bar style, with all the fixings in colorful bowls. For a party twist, make mini tacos with street taco-sized tortillas—or even turn them into loaded Bang Bang shrimp nachos! However you serve them, everyone will love the build-your-own experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried shrimp separately from the tortillas and veggies to keep them as crispy as possible. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep your Bang Bang sauce chilled in a jar or small container. Assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready for round two!

Freezing

For best results, freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. The Bang Bang sauce can also be frozen, but it may separate slightly—just whisk it back together before using. I don’t recommend freezing tortillas and fresh garnishes, as their texture won’t hold up.

Reheating

For crispy leftovers, reheat shrimp in a 400°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave, which can make the coating soggy. Warm your tortillas just before serving, then build fresh tacos with crunchy cabbage, reheated shrimp, sauce, and plenty of bright garnishes.

FAQs

Can I air-fry or bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Absolutely! Air frying or baking the shrimp makes this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe a bit lighter but still super flavorful. Just spray shrimp with a bit of oil, air-fry at 400°F for 7–8 minutes, or bake in a hot oven, flipping once until golden and cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?

Yes, you can make a quick dairy-free “buttermilk” by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to half a cup of unsweetened plant milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using in the marinade—it’ll do the trick beautifully!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating so they soak up the buttermilk and dredge properly for that crisp finish.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has a gentle heat from sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but you can turn it up or down to fit your taste. Add more sriracha for extra kick, or use less if you prefer a milder taco experience.

Can I prep any parts in advance?

Definitely—the Bang Bang sauce actually tastes better if you make it a day ahead, and you can prep all your veggies and tortillas in advance too. Fry the shrimp just before serving for the ultimate crunch, and your Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe will taste as fresh as can be!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a platter of Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with people you love—it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, this recipe is destined to become a favorite. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how easy, fun, and downright delicious taco night can be!

Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors, featuring crispy shrimp drizzled with a spicy and creamy Bang Bang sauce, topped with fresh cabbage and cilantro, all wrapped in warm tortillas. A perfect balance of crunch, heat, and freshness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For Assembly:

8 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons sriracha
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes.
Dredge the Shrimp: In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge shrimp in the mixture.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas. Layer cabbage, crispy shrimp, and Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.