Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and tasty dish! With crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, they’re packed with flavor. Just add fresh toppings and you’re ready to go!
These tacos are a hit at any gathering. I love piling on crunchy lettuce and creamy avocado for a delicious bite. Honestly, they’re so good, I sometimes forget to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend fresh or frozen shrimp. If you can’t find shrimp, consider using chicken tenders cut into strips or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Flour & Cornstarch: This combo creates a light and crispy coating. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try almond flour and cornmeal instead. They work well to give that crunch.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and keeps the coating light. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a dash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Bang Bang Sauce: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. If you like more sweetness, feel free to add a bit more honey or even use a sweet chili dipping sauce.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy coating is all about the frying technique. Here are some tips to ensure your shrimp turn out crunchy:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before frying. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying; cook in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Let the shrimp drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil, keeping them crispy.
Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will be a fantastic treat with this helpful advice. Enjoy making them!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to desired heat)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a bit of time coating the shrimp and frying them, but it’s totally worth it for those delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be the crispy coating for your shrimp!
2. Dip the Shrimp:
Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. Take each shrimp, dip it into the buttermilk, and then dredge it well in the flour mixture. Make sure each shrimp is nicely coated!
3. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Mix well until smooth, and set aside.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm up your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Then, take a tortilla and layer it with the shredded green and red cabbage.
6. Add the Shrimp:
Place the crispy shrimp on top of the cabbage in each tortilla. You can be generous with the quantity!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Top your tacos with chopped cilantro and drizzle some extra bang bang sauce on top if you like. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for that fresh squeeze.
Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! They’re sure to impress your friends and family! 🌮✨
Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken tenders or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
If you like it hot, simply add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce to achieve your desired spice level. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and the sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet to keep them crispy, and warm the tortillas before assembling your tacos again.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it, as ingredients may separate while sitting.