Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Introduction: Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

If you’re craving bold flavors and a fun twist on traditional tacos, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will absolutely hit the spot. These tacos bring together crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, nestled in warm tortillas, and topped with crunchy slaw for the ultimate flavor explosion. Originally made popular by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, this dish has now become a beloved homemade favorite.

The real star of this recipe is the Bang Bang sauce—a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce that gives the shrimp its irresistible kick. Combine that with a crispy coating, fresh slaw, and soft tortillas, and you’ve got a dinner that’ll wow your family and friends.

Let’s walk through everything you need to make this flavorful feast from scratch!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

For the Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (mix of purple and green)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

this RECIPE

Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl with the buttermilk and set aside to soak for 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick better.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha. Cover and refrigerate until needed. This sauce also works great as a dip or sandwich spread!

3. Mix the Slaw

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk the vinegar, honey, and mayonnaise. Pour the dressing over the slaw, season with salt and pepper, and toss well. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the shrimp.

4. Coat the Shrimp

In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, shake off the excess liquid, and dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture until fully coated.

5. Fry the Shrimp

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the shrimp in batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan—this helps the shrimp stay crunchy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Toss the Shrimp in Sauce

Transfer the fried shrimp to a clean bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each piece. Don’t let them sit too long in the sauce before serving, or they may lose their crispiness.

7. Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Lay down a layer of slaw on each tortilla, followed by a generous helping of the coated shrimp. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.

Tips for Perfecting Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Want to make your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos even better? Here are some expert tips to help you nail it every time:

• Double-coat for extra crunch: For ultra-crispy shrimp, dip them in the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, then repeat the process for a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Make ahead components: You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce and slaw a day in advance to save time. Just give them a quick stir before using.
• Warm tortillas properly: Heating tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side makes them soft, pliable, and flavorful. You can also wrap them in foil and warm in the oven.
• Drain fried shrimp well: After frying, place shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain their crispiness without getting soggy.
• Control sauce quantity: If you’re worried about sogginess, drizzle the sauce over the shrimp instead of tossing them, especially if you’re packing tacos for lunch or serving buffet-style.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun ideas to customize your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

• Make it healthier: Bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying. Coat them with panko breadcrumbs and spray lightly with oil before baking at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and corn tortillas.
• Spice it up or down: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
• Try different proteins: Use chicken, tofu, or cauliflower instead of shrimp for a different twist.
• Add more toppings: Sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of extra sauce can take your tacos to the next level.

Conservation and Storage

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for best results:

• Shrimp: Store the sauced shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help restore some crispiness.
• Slaw: Keep it in a sealed container for up to 3 days, but note that it will get soggier over time.
• Tortillas: Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reassemble leftovers, warm the tortillas, add chilled slaw, and top with reheated shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are already a complete meal, but they pair beautifully with a few sides:

• Mexican street corn (elote) – Grilled corn with cotija cheese and lime
• Cilantro-lime rice – A zesty side that complements the spicy shrimp
• Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa – Perfect for sharing
• Iced tea or limeade – A refreshing drink to balance the heat

You can also serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos buffet-style for a fun taco night. Just lay out the shrimp, tortillas, toppings, and slaw separately and let everyone build their own taco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and dried with paper towels before marinating in buttermilk. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick and fry better.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?
Absolutely. Mix 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle slightly, and use as a substitute.

What if I don’t like spicy food?
No worries—just reduce or skip the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. You’ll still get a delicious, tangy-sweet flavor from the chili sauce.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Use cornstarch only (skip the flour) or use a gluten-free flour blend. Pair it with gluten-free corn tortillas and you’re all set.

How do I reheat leftover shrimp without making them soggy?
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes or in the oven for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy coating.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can! Place coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Summary: A Taco Worth Talking About

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos deliver big flavor in every bite. From the crispy shrimp and spicy-sweet sauce to the fresh, crunchy slaw, each component works together to create a perfect balance of texture and taste. They’re versatile, easy to adapt, and guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a weekend feast, these tacos will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet, prep your shrimp, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of deliciousness.

Print

Sharing is caring!