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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Featured in: Fresh Seafood Recipes from Coast to Coast

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine golden-fried shrimp coated in a tangy, creamy sauce with just the right hint of spice. The shrimp is soaked in buttermilk, dredged in a seasoned flour mix, and fried to crispy perfection. Place it on warm tortillas over shredded cabbage, then finish with bold garnishes like jalapeños, fresh herbs, and crunchy radishes. A homemade sauce of mayo and chili garlic sauce ties it all together with its bold, creamy flavor. Serves 4 to 6 and takes about 50 minutes to make.
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Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:03:15 GMT
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos | yummygusto.com

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos take seafood to new heights with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This recipe has become a go-to for its exceptional balance of crunch, heat and richness.

The extraordinary flavor combination of these tacos has made them a cherished weekly tradition in countless kitchens. Their irresistible appeal often leads to empty plates and requests for seconds.

Key Ingredients

  • Large shrimp (26-30 count): The ideal size for juicy, perfectly cooked results
  • Japanese mayonnaise: Creates the creamiest, most flavorful sauce base
  • Sriracha: Adds the perfect balance of heat and garlic notes
  • Cornstarch-flour blend: The secret to achieving that perfectly crispy coating

Through extensive testing, large shrimp have proven to deliver the best texture and flavor balance for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work:
Combine flour and cornstarch in a bowl. Thoroughly dry shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce:
Blend mayonnaise until smooth. Incorporate sriracha and sweet chili sauce, adjusting spiciness to taste.
Fry Shrimp:
Heat oil to 350°F. Coat shrimp in flour mixture, let rest on rack for 5 minutes before frying.
Assembly:
Heat tortillas, coat fried shrimp in sauce, layer with cabbage and assemble tacos.
Savory Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Pin it
Savory Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos | yummygusto.com

Proper oil temperature control is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy shrimp. Take time to maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tacos with cilantro-lime rice and seasoned black beans for a complete meal. Add fresh toppings like diced avocado, pickled onions, and charred corn salsa to enhance the experience.

Recipe Variations

Transform this dish into a rice bowl or lettuce wraps for different serving options. Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of sriracha or substituting with gochujang for a unique flavor profile.

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Close-up Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe | yummygusto.com

This perfected Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe delivers restaurant-quality results through precise cooking techniques and carefully balanced flavors. The combination of crispy coating, flavorful sauce, and proper preparation methods creates an exceptional dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos ahead of time?
It's best to fry the shrimp fresh for the best crunch. But you can make the sauce up to two days earlier and store it in the fridge. For leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce apart for reheating.
→ How should I warm up leftover fried shrimp?
Pop them in a 200°F oven for around 15 minutes to warm up, and let the sauce sit out to reach room temperature before combining.
→ Are these tacos suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Sure! Substitute gluten-free flour for breading and use lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas instead of the regular kind.
→ Is the spiciness level adjustable for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Yes, it’s totally flexible! Dial back or amp up the heat by changing the amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha in the sauce.
→ At what temperature should I fry the shrimp?
Keep the oil at a steady 350°F so the shrimp comes out crispy and stays tender inside.

Tasty Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These tacos feature crispy shrimp in a creamy, tangy sauce wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh, colorful toppings.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Ocean Flavors

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors

Yield: 6 Servings (10 tacos)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Zesty Bang Bang Sauce

01 1 cup of creamy mayo
02 1/4 cup spicy chili garlic sauce
03 1 teaspoon Sriracha (totally optional)

→ Juicy Shrimp

04 1 1/2 pounds of jumbo shrimp (size 26-30), deveined and peeled
05 1 cup tangy buttermilk
06 1 1/2 cups regular all-purpose flour
07 1/2 cup cornstarch for crispiness
08 1 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt
09 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
10 About 6 cups of vegetable oil to deep-fry

→ Toppings and Wrap

11 10 small flour tortillas, warmed up (or use Bibb lettuce if you’re keeping it low-carb)
12 Roughly 3 cups of shredded cabbage (about 8 oz.)
13 Freshly chopped cilantro
14 Crunchy radishes, sliced thin
15 Thinly sliced green onions
16 Sliced fresh jalapeños for some heat

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, mix the mayo, chili garlic sauce, and Sriracha until they’re totally blended. Stash it in the fridge for up to 2 days if you want to prep ahead.

Step 02

Soak your shrimp in buttermilk for 20 minutes to make them extra tender and juicy.

Step 03

Completely mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Have a baking rack on a sheet pan handy for the coated shrimp and line another pan with paper towels to soak up grease. Heat your oven to 200°F so cooked shrimp stay warm.

Step 04

After draining the buttermilk, dredge shrimp in the flour mixture in small groups. Shake off the extra coating and place the shrimp on the cooling rack while your oil gets up to temperature.

Step 05

Fill a deep pot or Dutch oven with the vegetable oil and attach a thermometer. Heat it on medium-high until it hits 350°F, which might take around 20 minutes.

Step 06

Drop a small batch of shrimp in the oil for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden. Stir them gently about a minute in to make sure they’re not clumping together.

Step 07

Move the fried shrimp to your prepared draining rack and pop the tray in the warm oven. Repeat frying batches, and keep an eye on the oil temp to make sure it goes back to 350°F between rounds.

Step 08

When you’ve fried all the shrimp, toss them in about a cup of that Bang Bang Sauce. Hold onto the leftover sauce for drizzling on your tacos later.

Step 09

Layer your tacos with cabbage at the base, followed by shrimp glazed in sauce. Add extra sauce if you’re in the mood, and finish them with cilantro, radish slices, jalapeños, and green onions.

Notes

  1. If you’ve got leftovers, keep the fried shrimp and sauce in separate containers. When eating later, let the sauce sit at room temp while you reheat the shrimp in a 200°F oven for 15 minutes before tossing them together.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep pot or Dutch oven
  • Cooking thermometer to check oil temperature
  • Wire cooling racks
  • Baking sheets
  • Spoon with slots
  • Kitchen towels or paper towels
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Crustaceans (shrimp)
  • Eggs (included in mayo)
  • Lactose (comes from buttermilk)
  • Gluten (in flour and tortillas)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1085
  • Total Fat: 61 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 93 g
  • Protein: 40 g