If you are on the hunt for a dish that bursts with flavor, crunch, and just the right amount of heat, then the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe will become your new obsession. This spectacular fusion of crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce nestled within warm tortillas and topped with fresh, crunchy slaw is nothing short of a showstopper. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or impressive weekend gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe means grabbing simple but carefully selected ingredients that each play a star role. From the tender shrimp to the tangy buttermilk soak, and from the crispy coating to the vibrant toppings, every component adds depth and excitement.
- Medium shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined for the perfect base full of seafood goodness.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Tenderizes shrimp and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour (1/2 cup each): Combined to create an irresistibly crisp outer shell on the shrimp.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper: These spices bring smoky and savory layers to the crust.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the shrimp to golden perfection.
- Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey: Whisk together these ingredients for the iconic creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce.
- Small flour or corn tortillas (8): Soft and warm, ready to cradle all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (2 cups): Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
- Chopped green onions and cilantro: Fresh herbs to brighten each bite.
- Lime wedges: For a zesty finishing squeeze that ties everything together.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Soak and Prepare the Shrimp
Start by soaking your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 minutes. This step ensures the shrimp stay juicy and allows the coating to cling better, setting you up for a crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating
While the shrimp soak, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This blend of dry ingredients will give the shrimp that irresistible crunch and smoky undertone that makes the recipe shine.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture. Don’t rush this step—make sure each shrimp is evenly coated for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil—crispy perfection is just moments away.
Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, delivering creamy heat and a touch of sweetness.
Step 6: Toss Shrimp in Sauce
Gently toss the warm fried shrimp in the bang bang sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated, ensuring that every bite delivers that signature zing and creaminess you’re craving.
Step 7: Warm the Tortillas
Heat your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave just until soft and pliable. Warm tortillas provide the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings and toppings to come.
Step 8: Assemble the Tacos
Begin with a layer of shredded cabbage or slaw mix on each tortilla. Top with sauced shrimp, then sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their tacos for that bright citrus burst.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with the right garnishes is key to enhancing freshness and flavor. The chopped green onions add a mild sharpness, cilantro provides herbal brightness, and a good squeeze of lime juice uplifts the dish with its zingy acidity. Feeling adventurous? Try adding thin slices of radish or diced cucumbers for extra crunch and a colorful pop.
Side Dishes
Pairing your bang bang shrimp tacos with the right sides can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast. Consider serving a light black bean salad, Mexican street corn, or even a chilled avocado and mango salsa. These accompaniments complement the spicy shrimp while keeping the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
These tacos shine on a casual family dinner table but also impress at parties. Try serving them on a large platter layered with shredded lettuce and lime wedges, letting guests build their own tacos. Alternatively, wrap ingredients in small lettuce cups for a low-carb twist or make vibrant taco bowls layering all components in a bowl for spoon-friendly enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked shrimp and bang bang sauce separately from the tortillas and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the shrimp crisp and the slaw fresh, so you can reassemble tasty tacos whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
For longer storage, the fried shrimp coated in bang bang sauce freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. While frozen, the shrimp can last up to three months, perfect for a quick meal solution.
Reheating
To get that crispy texture back, reheat the frozen shrimp in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes instead of microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Warm your tortillas separately and reassemble the tacos just before serving for the freshest bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe as usual for the best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes! Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter alternative, and consider baking or air-frying the shrimp instead of deep-frying to reduce oil content while still keeping delicious crispness.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the sriracha in the bang bang sauce. The sweet chili sauce and honey will still provide a lovely sweet and tangy flavor without too much kick.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free flour and tortillas to accommodate gluten-free diets. Corn tortillas are generally a good gluten-free option that pairs perfectly with this recipe.
How far in advance can I prepare this dish?
You can prepare the shrimp and bang bang sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the tacos fresh right before serving to keep the textures at their best.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your favorite meals list. Its blend of crunchy shrimp, creamy sauce, and vibrant toppings delivers a celebration of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion. Roll up your sleeves and dive into this joyful cooking experience—you’re going to love every bite!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per person) 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe combines crispy fried shrimp coated in a flavorful and spicy bang bang sauce, served in warm tortillas with fresh cabbage slaw and garnished with green onions and cilantro. Perfect for a delicious main course that brings a vibrant American and Asian Fusion flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 teaspoons honey
Tacos and Garnishes
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Soak the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Gently toss the fried shrimp in the bang bang sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas either in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with the coated shrimp, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce for a lighter option.
- For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or diced cucumbers to the taco fillings.
- Shrimp can be air-fried or baked as a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
