Craving a flavor explosion that’s both creamy and spicy, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla? Imagine biting into perfectly crispy shrimp, coated in a luscious Bang Bang sauce, nestled in a soft taco with all your favorite toppings. This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe delivers exactly that – a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up at home, guaranteed to become a new weeknight favorite!
The Stars of the Show: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bang Bang Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: Sliced green onions, pickled onions, mango salsa
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk, and finally coat well with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated for maximum crispiness!
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature – this is crucial for crispy, not soggy, shrimp.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This helps them stay crispy!
Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spice. This sauce is seriously addictive!
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp in Flavor
- Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece
- Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can use a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
- Fill each tortilla with the Bang Bang shrimp, shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lime juice and any other desired toppings.
Troubleshooting Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Bliss
Help! My Shrimp Isn’t Crispy Enough!
Ah, the dreaded soggy shrimp! Here’s the secret: First, make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F). Too low, and the shrimp will absorb oil instead of crisping up. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent. Finally, a wire rack is your best friend! It allows air to circulate around the shrimp, preventing them from getting soggy as they cool.
My Bang Bang Sauce is Too Spicy/Not Spicy Enough!
Spice is a personal preference! Start with the recommended amount of sriracha and then taste. Add more sriracha a little at a time until you reach your desired level of heat. If it’s too spicy, add a little more mayonnaise or honey to balance it out.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also dredge the shrimp ahead of time, but I recommend frying them right before serving for the best crispiness. Assembling the tacos right before serving is also best to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
For a lighter option, grill the shrimp instead of frying. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Toss with the Bang Bang sauce and assemble your tacos as usual.
Spicy Mango Salsa Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Add a tropical twist by topping your tacos with a spicy mango salsa. Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken Taco Alternative
Don’t have shrimp? No problem! Use bite-sized pieces of chicken instead. Follow the same breading and frying instructions, and you’ll have delicious Bang Bang Chicken Tacos!
Serving Suggestions for a Taco Fiesta
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are fantastic on their own, but here are some sides to complete your meal:
- Mexican Rice
- Black Beans
- Corn on the Cob
- Guacamole and Chips
- A refreshing Margarita!
More Taco Inspiration
If you’re a taco fanatic like me, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
- Chicken Street Tacos: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken: Easy and flavorful, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos Recipe: A flavor explosion in every bite!
Other Bang Bang Creations To Explore
If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy the irresistible Bang Bang flavors, here are a few suggestions:
- Bang Bang Chicken Sliders: Perfect for parties or a fun appetizer.
Other Chicken Dishes to Try
If you liked this chicken recipe, here are a few more suggestions:
- Chicken Enchiladas: A comforting and cheesy classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe is a winner because it’s:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Bursting with Flavor: The creamy, spicy sauce is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Impressive: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.
Get Ready for Taco Night Glory!
So, ditch the boring tacos and get ready to impress your family and friends with these amazing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!
What can I do to prevent my Bang Bang shrimp from being soggy?
Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F), avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, and use a wire rack to drain the shrimp after frying.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also dredge the shrimp ahead of time. However, frying the shrimp and assembling the tacos right before serving is recommended for optimal crispiness and to prevent soggy tortillas.
What if I don’t have shrimp? Is there a substitute I can use?
Yes, you can use bite-sized pieces of chicken instead of shrimp. Follow the same breading and frying instructions as you would for the shrimp.
What are some suggested side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
The article suggests serving these tacos with Mexican Rice, Black Beans, Corn on the Cob, Guacamole and Chips, or a refreshing Margarita.
BANG BANG SHRIMP TACO ULTIMATE
Equipment
- Shallow dishes
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Tortilla warmer or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or more, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: Sliced green onions
- Optional: Pickled onions
- Optional: Mango salsa
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk, and finally coat well with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated for maximum crispiness!
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spice.
- Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can use a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
- Fill each tortilla with the Bang Bang shrimp, shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lime juice and any other desired toppings.
