Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! are not just another seafood dish; they’re a delightful explosion of flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for taco night, these tacos combine crispy fried shrimp with a spicy bang bang sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. The unique blend of spices and textures makes these tacos stand out, ensuring they’ll become a regular on your menu.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Sauce and Assembly
• How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
• Step 1: Soak the Shrimp
• Step 2: Prepare the Coating
• Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
• Step 4: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs
• Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
• Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
• Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
• With Fresh Lime Wedges
• Garnished with Fresh Cilantro
• With Extra Bang Bang Sauce
• Accompanied by Diced Tomatoes
• Topped with Pickled Red Onions
• How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
• Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
• Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Bang Bang sauce?
• Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
• What toppings work well with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
• How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
• Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Delicious: The fried shrimp provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes from prep to table, you can whip up this meal even on busy nights.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the sriracha level to suit your spice tolerance, making it perfect for everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these tacos as an appetizer or main course – they fit any occasion!
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh toppings like avocado and cabbage, these tacos are not only tasty but also nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Ideal for frying the shrimp evenly to achieve that perfect golden crispiness.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for preparing your shrimp marinade and sauces without mess.
• Whisk: Helps in blending sauces smoothly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping and removing shrimp from hot oil without burning yourself.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 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

For the Sauce and Assembly

• 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

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Step 1: Soak the Shrimp

In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step tenderizes the shrimp while infusing flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, mix together:
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

This seasoned flour will give your shrimp extra flavor.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 4: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs

Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk again, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure they stick well.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to your heat preference)

This sauce brings everything together with its spicy kick.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

To put together each taco:
Lay down a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla.
Top with several fried shrimp.
Drizzle generously with your bang bang sauce.
Add slices of avocado on top.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over your delicious tacos!

Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – a tasty recipe you must try!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Serving Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be a fun and interactive experience. These tacos can be dressed up in various ways, enhancing their flavor and presentation. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your taco night.

With Fresh Lime Wedges

• Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty kick to the shrimp tacos, balancing the richness of the sauce.

Garnished with Fresh Cilantro

• A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and an herby flavor that complements the spicy bang bang sauce.

With Extra Bang Bang Sauce

• Serve additional bang bang sauce on the side for those who love extra heat and creaminess with their tacos.

Accompanied by Diced Tomatoes

• Fresh diced tomatoes provide a juicy texture and sweet contrast to the spiced shrimp, making each bite refreshing.

Topped with Pickled Red Onions

• The tanginess of pickled red onions enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a delicious crunch.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is all about technique and freshness. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes a significant difference in taste and texture. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize the amount of cayenne pepper or sriracha in your bang bang sauce according to your heat preference.
• Ensure Oil Temperature is Right: Before frying, test oil temperature with a small piece of shrimp. It should sizzle immediately when added.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy instead of steaming.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can enhance the meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement these tasty tacos perfectly.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder adds sweetness and creaminess.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado drizzled with lime dressing provides protein and fiber.
3. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for a classic appetizer that everyone loves.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cilantro and lime juice offers a bright flavor that pairs well with spicy tacos.
5. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños adds zestiness and freshness.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables add a smoky flavor that complements the fried shrimp beautifully.
7. Tortilla Soup: A warm bowl of tortilla soup serves as a cozy starter that will whet everyone’s appetite before diving into tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong shrimp: Always choose large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Smaller shrimp can overcook quickly and lose their tenderness.
• Skipping the buttermilk soak: Don’t skip soaking the shrimp in buttermilk. This step helps tenderize the shrimp and infuse flavor, resulting in a juicier bite.
• Overcrowding the pan: When frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.
• Inaccurate seasoning: Ensure your flour mixture is well-seasoned. Adjust spices according to your heat preference; bland shrimp will ruin your tacos.
• Using cold tortillas: Warm tortillas are key for great tacos. Cold tortillas can break easily and won’t hold all the delicious fillings as well.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the shrimp separate from toppings to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

• You can freeze cooked shrimp separately from other ingredients.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will last up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before adding any sauces or toppings.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Bang Bang sauce?

To make Bang Bang sauce, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together. Adjust sriracha according to your heat preference.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes! You can substitute with chicken or tofu for a different take on these tasty tacos while keeping the same flavor profile.

What toppings work well with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Consider adding toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The spice level depends on how much sriracha you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!

Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare components like the sauce and fried shrimp ahead of time but assemble them just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels. They’re perfect for taco night or any gathering! Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful seafood experience.