Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Okay, friend—get ready for a flavor bomb! These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy, creamy, spicy, and downright addictive. We’re talking golden fried shrimp tossed in a dreamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, tucked into warm tortillas, and topped with crunchy slaw and fresh garnishes. They’re everything you love about restaurant-style shrimp tacos, but made right at home—and trust me, they’ll disappear fast. Whether it’s taco night or you’re just craving something bold and exciting, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Bold Flavor: The bang bang sauce alone is reason enough to love these tacos—it’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and totally crave-worthy.

Crispy Perfection: The shrimp are coated and fried until golden and crisp, adding the perfect texture contrast to the creamy sauce and soft tortillas.

Quick and Easy: Don’t let the restaurant-worthy look fool you—these tacos are surprisingly simple to make and come together fast.

Customizable: Prefer it milder? Dial down the spice. Want to add mango salsa or avocado slices? Go for it. These tacos are super flexible.

Party-Perfect: Great for weeknight dinners, but also perfect for impressing guests at your next get-together. They’re colorful, fun, and oh-so-delicious.

Ingredients in Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Let’s break down the flavor-packed components of these tacos:

For the Shrimp:

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Cornstarch or flour (for that crispy coating)
• Salt and pepper (seasoned to perfection)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works great)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise (creamy base)
• Sweet chili sauce (sweet heat)
• Sriracha (for a little kick)
• Honey or a pinch of sugar (to balance it all out)

For the Toppings:

• Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (adds crunch)
• Chopped green onions (for freshness)
• Cilantro (optional, but adds great flavor)
• Diced avocado (optional, creamy and cooling)
• Lime wedges (for that zesty finish)

For the Tacos:

• Small flour or corn tortillas (warmed)

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bring these tacos to life:

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (or sugar) until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch or flour until well coated. This is key to that crispy, golden crust.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until crispy and pink—about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Toss in Sauce

While the shrimp are still hot, toss them in the bang bang sauce until fully coated. You want every bite to be bursting with that creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas, then layer with shredded slaw or cabbage, a generous scoop of bang bang shrimp, and your favorite toppings—green onions, cilantro, avocado, you name it.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Squeeze a bit of fresh lime over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy while they’re warm and crispy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 (about 2 tacos per serving)
Calories per serving: Approx. 450–500 (varies based on tortilla and sauce amount)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are the star of the show, but here’s how to turn them into a full, satisfying meal:

Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, or a light corn salad.

Drinks: A chilled margarita or a citrusy sparkling water pairs beautifully with the spicy-sweet flavors.

Extras: Add a side of chips and guacamole or queso for the ultimate taco night spread.

Taco Bar Style: Serve everything buffet-style so guests can build their own tacos with all their favorite toppings.

Additional Tips

Air Fry Option: For a lighter version, air fry the shrimp at 400°F for about 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

No Mayo? You can substitute Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative if desired.

Mild Version: Omit or reduce the sriracha for a milder bang bang sauce—great for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

Make Ahead: Prep the sauce and slaw ahead of time, and fry the shrimp just before serving for best texture.

Shell-Free Tip: Use pre-peeled shrimp to save time and effort in the kitchen.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A2: Totally! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before coating and cooking.

Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
A3: It has a little kick from the sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat by using less or skipping it entirely.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the shrimp, and gluten-free tortillas for serving.

Q5: How do I keep the shrimp crispy?
A5: Toss them in sauce right before serving and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.

Q6: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A6: Prep everything ahead (sauce, toppings, slaw), then fry and toss the shrimp just before assembling and serving.

Q7: What can I use instead of shrimp?
A7: Try crispy chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a fun vegetarian twist.

Q8: How should I store leftovers?
A8: Store shrimp, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers. Reheat shrimp in a skillet or oven for best texture.

Q9: What other toppings go well with these tacos?
A9: Mango salsa, pickled red onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of lime crema are all great options.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just fry the shrimp in batches to keep them crispy and adjust sauce and toppings accordingly.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the kind of meal that instantly livens up any table. Crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh—they’ve got all the right textures and flavors going on. Whether you’re making them for taco night, a summer get-together, or just because you’re craving something fun and flavorful, this recipe is a total win. So grab those tortillas, fire up that skillet, and get ready to fall in love—one bite at a time.

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