These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on taco night! Crispy, lightly spicy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce, paired with fresh veggies and soft tortillas. The combination of crunchy shrimp and the cool toppings makes every bite a little party in your mouth.
I love making these tacos when I want something quick but exciting. The bang bang sauce is easy to whip up and brings just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the shrimp. Plus, they come together fast, so I can enjoy a tasty meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve these tacos is with a simple slaw or shredded lettuce, a squeeze of lime, and maybe a bit of avocado for creaminess. They’re perfect for casual dinners with friends or even a fun weekend lunch. Every time I make this recipe, it gets devoured so fast that I have to remind myself to make a double batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work best for a good bite size. If you prefer, you can swap for small shrimp or even chunks of firm fish like cod. Just watch cooking times.
Flour and Cornstarch: This mix helps create a super crispy coating. For gluten-free, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base, but Greek yogurt can be a lighter option. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and mild heat—you can use a mix of honey and sriracha if you don’t have it.
Veggies: The cabbage and carrots add freshness and crunch. Feel free to add or swap in shredded lettuce, radishes, or even sliced avocado for creaminess.
How Do You Get Crispy, Crunchy Bang Bang Shrimp Every Time?
Achieving crispy shrimp means a few key steps. First, pat the shrimp dry so the coating sticks well. Then dip in wet (buttermilk) and dry (flour mix) ingredients—double dredging if needed.
- Keep oil hot but not smoking, around 350°F, for crispy edges without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches so temperature stays steady.
- Drain fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil but serve quickly for best texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or skillet – perfect for frying shrimp evenly and safely.
- Instant-read thermometer – helps keep oil at the right temperature for crispy shrimp.
- Mixing bowls – for coating shrimp and preparing the bang bang sauce easily.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – to safely handle shrimp when frying and draining.
- Paper towels – to absorb excess oil and keep shrimp crispy.
- Cast-iron or non-stick skillet – great for warming tortillas without drying them out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for crispy tofu or cauliflower bites for a vegetarian twist that still gets that crunch.
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Mix in diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and balance.
- Try adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra smoky heat.
The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp and Coating:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Tacos and Toppings:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (a mix of green and purple cabbage)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 to 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for heat level)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the shrimp and sauce, plus 5 minutes to warm the tortillas and assemble. The whole meal can be ready in around 25 minutes—perfect for a quick, tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste it and adjust the sauce’s heat or sweetness to your liking. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
2. Prepare the Shrimp Coating:
In a big bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper well. This blend gives the shrimp their crispy, flavorful crust.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so the coating sticks better. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Place the coated shrimp on a plate, ready for frying.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove extra oil.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat the tortillas in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and warm. This makes them flexible and perfect for folding around the filling.
6. Build Your Tacos:
Start by adding a handful of shredded cabbage and carrots to each tortilla. Then, top with the crispy shrimp. Drizzle a generous amount of bang bang sauce over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro for freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Put lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh juice over their tacos for a bright, tangy finish. Dive in and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp—just be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. Pat them very dry before coating to ensure the batter sticks and the shrimp get crispy.
Can I Bake the Shrimp Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, bake the coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover shrimp and sauce separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a hot oven or skillet to maintain crispiness, then assemble fresh tacos before serving.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce tastes great made ahead. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and give it a good stir before using.
