why make this recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious mix of crispy shrimp, fresh toppings, and tasty sauces, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. It’s easy to make, and each bite packs a flavorful punch that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, who doesn’t love a good taco?

how to make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

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

Directions:

In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
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.
Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

how to serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos warm and fresh. Lay out the tacos on a platter, and add some lime wedges for extra flavor. You can also set out extra toppings like chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes for those who want to customize their tacos.

how to store Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fried shrimp can last up to 2 days, while veggies and sauces should be consumed within 1-2 days for the best quality. Reheat the shrimp in an oven to keep them crispy when serving again.

tips to make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Make sure to soak the shrimp in buttermilk long enough to get the best flavor and tenderness.
Do not overcrowd the pan while frying the shrimp. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
Feel free to adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.

variation

If you want a lighter option, you can grill the shrimp instead of frying them. Simply marinate the shrimp with the seasonings, then place them on the grill until cooked through. You can also use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Q: What other toppings can I use for the tacos?
A: You can add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro to give your tacos more flavor and color.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos