Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce. These tacos are easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Step 4: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Step 5: Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
7. Step 7: To assemble the tacos, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with fried shrimp, drizzle with the bang bang sauce, and add avocado slices.
8. Step 8: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use crushed tortilla chips instead of panko breadcrumbs.
• Swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas to make a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the sriracha to make the sauce milder or spicier according to your taste.
• Try adding fresh cilantro or diced red onion for extra freshness and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness. Avoid assembling tacos in advance to keep tortillas from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before soaking in buttermilk for best results.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to shrimp for these tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute crispy fried cauliflower or tofu prepared with the same coating and sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a zesty and crispy seafood delight featuring succulent fried shrimp coated in a crunchy panko crust, tossed in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, and served in soft flour tortillas with fresh cabbage and creamy avocado slices. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal with a tangy kick.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Coating

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Assembly

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all spices are evenly mixed.
3. Dredge Shrimp in Flour: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess for a light, even layer.
4. Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then press into panko breadcrumbs so they adhere well, creating a crispy crust when fried.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the spiciness according to preference.
7. Assemble Tacos: Place a handful of shredded cabbage on each warm flour tortilla. Top with several fried shrimp, drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, and add slices of avocado.
8. Serve: Accompany the tacos with lime wedges for squeezing over, enhancing the fresh and zesty flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
• You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
• Adjust sriracha quantity to control the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce.
• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• For gluten-free option, substitute flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, Seafood Tacos, Crunchy Shrimp, Bang Bang Sauce