Bang bang shrimp tacos are a deliciously popular dish that perfectly combines crispy shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce. This easy dinner recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-style tacos right at home, featuring large, crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful batter and served with fresh toppings.
The shrimp are first coated with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and seasonings before being fried to perfection. Then, they are tossed in a homemade bang bang sauce that offers a delightful kick, making them the star of these summer tacos.
Exploring Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bang bang shrimp tacos have become a household favorite, offering a delightful way to enjoy crispy shrimp wrapped in warm tortillas. The combination of fried shrimp with a spicy mayo sauce brings a unique flavor explosion to your palate.
Made with large, peeled, and deveined shrimp, this dish features a delicious coating of panko breadcrumbs that creates a crunchy texture. The shrimp are tender and juicy inside, while the batter provides a satisfying crunch on the outside, making every bite a culinary delight.
Delicious Bang Bang Sauce
The star of these shrimp tacos is the bang bang sauce, which adds a sweet and spicy flavor that complements the crispy shrimp perfectly. This creamy sauce is composed of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for that extra zing.
Adjusting the spice level to your liking is easy, allowing you to create a sauce that perfectly suits your taste. Whether you prefer a subtle kick or a fiery heat, this sauce can be tailored to your preference.
Preparing the Shrimp for Tacos
To prepare the shrimp, a combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is mixed into the panko breadcrumbs, enhancing the shrimp coating with aromatic flavor. First, the shrimp get dipped in a buttermilk or Greek yogurt batter, which helps the coating adhere well.
Once coated, the shrimp can be shallow or deep-fried until they become golden brown and crunchy. This quick cooking method keeps the shrimp juicy inside while achieving that desired crispiness on the outside.
Assembly of Flavorful Tacos
Assembling the bang bang shrimp tacos is where the fun really begins. Start by warming corn or flour tortillas, making them soft and pliable. Then, lay down a generous amount of crispy shrimp as the base, followed by a colorful cabbage slaw.
The slaw typically features shredded red and green cabbage and carrot, adding a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the tacos. Sliced avocado can be added for creaminess, along with a drizzle of the bang bang sauce to tie all the flavors together.
Delightful Toppings and Garnishes
No taco is complete without garnishes, and these shrimp tacos are no exception. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbaceous flavor, while lime wedges offer a zesty finish that livens up each bite.
These toppings not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also elevate the flavor profile, making each taco a well-rounded experience. A few sprinkles of chili garlic sauce can also provide an extra kick for those who crave additional spice.
Serving and Enjoying the Tacos
Bang bang shrimp tacos are best served immediately, ensuring that the shrimp remain crispy. Presentation matters as well; serving these tacos on a rustic table with lime wedges and a side of the spicy bang bang sauce invites your family or guests to dig in.
Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner option or a vibrant dish for a summer gathering, these tacos will surely impress. Combining the elements of crispy fried shrimp with creamy, spicy sauce creates a satisfying meal that brings a taste of the coast right to your table.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 tacos 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These tacos consist of deliciously breaded shrimp topped with a zesty bang bang sauce, which combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. Served on warm corn or flour tortillas, they are garnished with crunchy slaw, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup cabbage slaw (includes red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrot slaw)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- For Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the spiciness to your preference and set aside.
- Coat the Shrimp: In one bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then coat it in the panko mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Shallow fry or deep fry the coated shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous portion of crispy shrimp onto a warm tortilla. Top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce. Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve: Enjoy your bang bang shrimp tacos immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 20
This recipe is part of my 35 Amazing Summertime Beach Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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