Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

I absolutely love this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe because it brings together crunchy, creamy, and spicy flavors all in one bite. The crispy shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy bang bang sauce pairs perfectly with fresh toppings wrapped in soft tortillas, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whenever I need a fun dinner that’s impressive but not fussy, these tacos are my go-to because they come together pretty quickly and deliver big on flavor.

Whether you’re hosting friends for taco night or just craving something different and delicious, you’ll find that this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a total winner. The balance of the spicy sauce with the cool crunch of cabbage and fresh herbs creates a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and fresh — exactly what I want when I’m rocking a laid-back dinner vibe at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you a crispy, juicy shrimp packed with spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. I always recommend getting extra-large shrimp—they fry up perfectly and stay tender inside.

• Mayonnaise: Provides the rich, creamy base for the bang bang sauce and balances out the spice.
• Chili garlic sauce: Adds great heat and a hint of garlicky punch to the sauce.
• Sriracha sauce (optional): Gives an extra kick if you like your sauce with more heat.
• Extra-large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp work best for even cooking and easy eating.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the breading to stick better.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy breading.
• Cornstarch: Key for extra crispiness on the shrimp.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the breading and shrimp.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle spice and compliments the other seasonings.
• Vegetable oil: Needed for frying — choose one with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.
• Flour tortillas or Bibb lettuce leaves: For wrapping the shrimp and toppings, giving you flexibility depending on your preference.
• Shredded cabbage: Adds crunchy freshness and a nice contrast to the creamy shrimp.
• Radishes, jalapeño peppers, green onions, cilantro: These garnishes add freshness, heat, and color, taking your tacos to the next level.

Variations

I love mixing things up based on what I have or who I’m serving. Feel free to swap out ingredients and toppings to make this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe your own — it’s super flexible!

• Using lettuce wraps: One time, I made these tacos low-carb by skipping tortillas altogether and wrapping everything in crisp Bibb lettuce leaves — my family loved the fresh crunch!
• Spicy level adjustments: If you’re not a big fan of heat, reduce the chili garlic sauce or leave out the sriracha to make it milder.
• Grilling shrimp instead of frying: For a lighter option, marinate and grill the shrimp; it’s a great summer twist that still keeps that bang bang flavor.
• Adding avocado slices: I often add creamy avocado on mine for a cool contrast to the spicy sauce—you should definitely try it.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by blending the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and sriracha in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is the soul of the recipe—creamy with a fiery punch. I like to make this ahead and keep it chilled so the flavors really meld, plus it saves prep time later.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Pop your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl of buttermilk and let them soak for about 20 minutes. This step makes the shrimp tender and helps the batter cling better. Trust me on this—rushing it will give you shrimpy bites that aren’t as juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This combo is my secret weapon for the crispiest coating. Set up a cooling rack on a sheet pan for the shrimp to rest after coating—they’ll stay crispier if you don’t pile them up.

Step 4: Bread and Dry the Shrimp

Drain shrimp from the buttermilk, then toss them in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Lay them neatly on the rack so they “dry out” a bit before frying—that little rest really boosts crunchiness. While they’re drying, get your oil heating.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot to 350°F. I recommend using a thermometer to keep the temperature steady. Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 4-4 1/2 minutes, stirring gently so they don’t clump. Remove them with a slotted spoon, drain well, and keep warm in the oven set at 200°F while you finish frying.

Step 6: Toss and Assemble

Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them in one cup of your bang bang sauce to coat evenly. Reserve some sauce for drizzling. Assemble the tacos by layering shredded cabbage, sauced shrimp, more sauce if you love it, and topping with radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately because these tacos are best fresh and crispy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I always go with thinly sliced radishes and jalapeños for crunch and heat, plenty of chopped cilantro for freshness, and sliced green onions for that mild bite. These toppings add vibrant texture and color, making every taco look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

I like serving these tacos with a side of Mexican street corn salad or a simple avocado and tomato salad to balance the spice and richness. Crispy tortilla chips and a cold margarita? Always a win in my book!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve set up a taco bar with all the toppings in pretty bowls and let guests build their own Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. It’s fun, interactive, and makes serving a larger group stress-free—plus, it’s a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the fried shrimp separate from the tortillas and fresh toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents sogginess and keeps the shrimp crispier for longer, though these tacos really taste best fresh.

Freezing

I generally avoid freezing the fried shrimp because the texture changes when thawed, but you can freeze the bang bang sauce safely in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to help re-crisp the coating. Microwaving will make them soggy, so try to avoid that.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy shrimp, especially when I want something that’s both comforting and exciting. Every time I make these, friends and family ask for seconds — it really packs a punch of flavor without being complicated. So, next time you’re wondering what to make, give these tacos a try — I promise they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection just like they are in mine!

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