These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive! Juicy shrimp are coated in a crunchy golden crust, tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, and piled onto warm tortillas with fresh toppings. It’s a restaurant-style dish made simple—and it comes together in under 30 minutes!
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Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Crispy & Crunchy – The shrimp are perfectly golden and crispy with every bite.
- Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Sauce – A creamy, flavorful sauce that’s totally addictive!
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh & Vibrant – The combination of crisp cabbage, fresh lime, and cilantro makes these tacos light and flavorful.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (purple or green)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Paper towels (for draining oil)
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with buttermilk and let them soak for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned cornstarch mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and lime juice.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce, coating them evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage, crispy shrimp, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños (if using).
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for extra zest.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side. Enjoy these crispy, spicy tacos with a side of chips and guacamole or a fresh mango salsa!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with: A light, citrusy salad or fresh pico de gallo.
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes or crispy tortilla strips.
- Make it Healthier: Use air-fried or grilled shrimp instead of frying.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Extra Crispy Shrimp: Double-dip the shrimp in the cornstarch before frying.
- Make it Spicier: Add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Prevent Soggy Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to keep them crispy.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Freeze: Uncooked, breaded shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen for an extra minute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make these shrimp in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q2: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
A: Mix ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Q3: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw, pat dry, and follow the same instructions.
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Favorite!
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh—everything you want in a taco! Whether for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, they’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a review and tag us on Pinterest! We’d love to see your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 340
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every bite of these sweet, spicy, and crunchy shrimp tacos!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Taco
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive! Juicy shrimp are coated in a crunchy golden crust, tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, and piled onto warm tortillas with fresh toppings. It’s a restaurant-style dish made simple—and it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (purple or green)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with buttermilk and let them soak for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned cornstarch mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and lime juice.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce, coating them evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage, crispy shrimp, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños (if using).
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for extra zest.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side. Enjoy these crispy, spicy tacos with a side of chips and guacamole or a fresh mango salsa!
Notes
- Extra Crispy Shrimp: Double-dip the shrimp in the cornstarch before frying.
- Make it Spicier: Add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Prevent Soggy Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
