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!
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Ingredients
Scale
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