Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Taco Tuesday just got a major upgrade! Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy shrimp, a zesty Bang Bang sauce, and refreshing toppings for an irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos deliver a perfect punch of flavor with minimal prep time. Get ready to impress your taste buds—and everyone around your table—with this easy recipe.
What Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fusion of crispy shrimp coated in a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce, all tucked inside warm tortillas and topped with fresh veggies. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the sauce—a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy that keeps you coming back for more. These tacos are a favorite at restaurants, but the good news is that they’re super simple to recreate at home.
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy shrimp, flavorful sauce, and customizable toppings makes it a hit with both adults and kids.
- Full of Flavor: The Bang Bang sauce adds the perfect kick, while the fresh veggies balance out the heat with their crunch and freshness.
- Customizable: You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences, such as adding more spice, swapping shrimp for another protein, or experimenting with different toppings.
Ready to start? Follow these step-by-step instructions and elevate your Taco Tuesday game!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create restaurant-worthy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at home:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
For Assembly:
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Fill the first bowl with flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Place the beaten eggs in the second bowl.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch in the third bowl.
Dip each shrimp in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Set the breaded shrimp on a plate.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven. Place a handful of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix onto each tortilla. Add a few pieces of crispy shrimp, then drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy immediately!
Topping Variations and Tips for Customization
While the recipe is delicious as-is, you can always make it your own with these ideas:
- Add pickled red onions for tanginess.
- Swap shrimp for crispy fish, tofu, or chicken.
- Use a spicy mango salsa as a topping for a tropical twist.
- Try lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb alternative.
- Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tacos
- Keep It Crispy: Bread and fry the shrimp just before serving to keep them crispy. Avoid crowding the skillet to ensure even frying.
- Sauce It Right: Make extra Bang Bang sauce—it’s great as a dipping sauce for fries or even as a salad dressing!
- Prep Ahead: You can bread the shrimp a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
Why Make These Tacos at Home?
Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos aren’t just delicious—they also beat dining out when it comes to cost, customization, and quality. Plus, you’ll impress your friends and family with your culinary skills! Whether it’s a laid-back dinner or a festive get-together, these tacos will always steal the spotlight.
Bring the Bang Bang to Your Kitchen Tonight
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate combination of spice, crunch, and freshness. With just 30 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy tacos in the comfort of your own home. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day of the week, this recipe is guaranteed to make you the star chef of your household.
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