Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos offer a perfect balance of crispy, spicy shrimp and creamy, tangy sauce tucked into soft tortillas. This vibrant dish is quick to prepare and makes for a flavorful weeknight meal or a fun weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Step 4: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Step 5: Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
7. Step 7: To assemble the tacos, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with fried shrimp, drizzle with the bang bang sauce, and add avocado slices.
8. Step 8: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, try baking the shrimp instead of frying them to cut down on oil.
• Swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Add fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños to the tacos for extra freshness and heat.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and sriracha in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover cooked shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before soaking in buttermilk.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

You can substitute crispy fried cauliflower or tofu for the shrimp and toss with the same bang bang sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x

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Description

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and spicy seafood dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a flavorful batter, topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and fresh cabbage, all nestled inside warm flour tortillas. This recipe combines the crunch of panko-fried shrimp with the zesty kick of sriracha and sweet chili sauce, balanced with creamy avocado and fresh lime for bright, vibrant flavors perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Coating

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Tacos Assembly

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the shrimp, ensuring they stay juicy during frying.
2. Prepare the seasoned flour: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating for the shrimp.
3. Dredge the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
4. Coat with panko breadcrumbs: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well, creating a crispy texture after frying.
5. Fry the shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired.
7. Assemble the tacos: On each flour tortilla, place a handful of shredded cabbage as the base, then top with several pieces of fried shrimp. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce and add sliced avocado on top for creaminess.
8. Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over, adding a fresh citrus brightness that complements the spicy shrimp perfectly.

Notes

• Soaking shrimp in buttermilk tenderizes them and helps the coating stick better.
• Adjust sriracha in the sauce according to your preferred spice level.
• Fry shrimp in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Use fresh lime wedges for an added tangy flavor boost.
• Can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but adjust diet tag accordingly.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, Easy Seafood Tacos, Sweet Chili Sauce Shrimp, Crispy Shrimp Recipes