If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the perfect choice. Crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh cabbage, tomatoes, and cilantro for the ultimate taco night favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy shrimp with a sweet and spicy flavor
- Quick enough for weeknight dinners
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Fresh, colorful toppings add crunch and texture
- Perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors
- Great for parties, gatherings, and taco nights
Ingredients
Bang Bang Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 tsp sriracha hot sauce
Taco Toppings
- 8–12 small white corn tortillas
- 3 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and stir until evenly coated.
- Heat 1½ inches of oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Coat each shrimp thoroughly in cornstarch and shake off any excess.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2½–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Place warm shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with half of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss gently until evenly coated and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas on a skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds per side.
- Fill each tortilla with cabbage, diced tomato, and Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos filling.
- Drizzle with the remaining sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature around 375°F for extra crispy shrimp.
- For a lighter version, air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Adjust the sriracha to make the tacos milder or spicier.
- Warm tortillas before serving to prevent cracking.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos (or 12 smaller tacos)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Seafood, Nut-Free
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Green cabbage and purple cabbage both work well.
- Hard taco shells can be used instead of corn tortillas.
- Serve with Mexican rice, corn salad, or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
What are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos feature crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet chili sauce and served in tortillas with fresh toppings.
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
The shrimp are best served fresh, but the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes or until cooked through.
How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
They have a mild to moderate heat level. Reduce the sriracha for a milder flavor.
What toppings go best with shrimp tacos?
Cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and lime all pair wonderfully.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp in an air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.
Similar Recipes
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
Bang Bang Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 tsp sriracha hot sauce
Taco Toppings
- 8 –12 small white corn tortillas
- 3 cups purple or green cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro coarsely chopped
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and stir until evenly coated.
- Heat 1½ inches of oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Coat each shrimp thoroughly in cornstarch and shake off any excess.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2½–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Place warm shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with half of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss gently until evenly coated and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas on a skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds per side.
- Fill each tortilla with cabbage, diced tomato, and Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos filling.
- Drizzle with the remaining sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Green cabbage and purple cabbage both work well.
- Hard taco shells can be used instead of corn tortillas.
- Serve with Mexican rice, corn salad, or fresh fruit.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy sweet-spicy sauce into one irresistible meal. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, this flavorful taco recipe is guaranteed to impress while remaining simple enough for any home cook.