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
Scale
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
