Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce; Sriracha sauce, to taste; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed; 3/4 cup cornstarch; Canola oil or peanut oil, for frying (2 to 3 inches deep); 8-12 small white corn tortillas or hard shell tacos; 3 cups shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 green onions, sliced; Lime juice, to taste; Thinly sliced jalapenos (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 53 reviews

If you love bold flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla, then you are going to adore this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Picture crispy, lightly fried shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce, nestled perfectly with crunchy cabbage and fresh herbs inside warm tortillas. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and fresh, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Once you try these tacos, they’ll quickly become one of your top go-to recipes when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ingredients for a dish placed on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there is a bunch of fresh green cilantro leaves with long stems. To the right of the cilantro is a white oval bowl filled with cooked shrimp that are reddish-brown from seasoning. Below the cilantro is a white round bowl filled with thinly sliced deep purple cabbage. To the lower right of the shrimp, there is a stack of plain, light beige corn tortillas arranged slightly overlapping. Next to the tortillas, a whole green lime and a lime half with visible segments are placed side by side. On the far right, there are three fresh green onions, white at the base and transitioning to bright green near the tips, laid parallel to each other. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that promise a satisfying bite every time. From the creamy mayonnaise to the crunchy cabbage, every component plays a key role in making this dish pop.

Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing the heat with richness.

Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat, crucial for that signature bang bang flavor.
Sriracha sauce: Allows you to customize the spice level, giving the tacos a lively kick.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and adds subtle tang before frying.

Onion powder, garlic powder, and salt: Season the marinade perfectly, enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Large shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed, the star of the show for delightful seafood goodness.
Canola or peanut oil: For frying shrimp to golden perfection while keeping them light and crispy.

Cornstarch: Creates a delicate, crunchy coating that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
Small white corn tortillas: Soft and slightly toasted, they hold everything together just right.
Shredded cabbage: Offers a refreshing crunch and bright color contrast.

Cilantro and green onions: Provide fresh herbal notes that brighten each bite.
Lime juice: Adds zesty acidity, cutting through the creaminess and spice.
Thinly sliced jalapenos (optional): For those who want an extra spicy punch.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Stir them until they form a smooth, luscious sauce that’s ready to coat the crispy shrimp later. This sauce is where the “bang bang” magic begins, blending creamy with sweet and spicy flavors that make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. This marinade tenderizes the shrimp and infuses it with subtle savory notes, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Toss the shrimp in this mixture and let it soak up the goodness for a few minutes while you prepare the frying station.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Fill a heavy-bottomed pan with 2 to 3 inches of canola or peanut oil and heat it over medium until it reaches 375°F. Getting the oil to the right temperature is key for that crispy shrimp coating that stays crunchy without absorbing too much oil.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Pour cornstarch into a shallow bowl. Using tongs, lift a shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat it generously with cornstarch on all sides. This light coating is what creates that addictive crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, till they turn golden and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady, which ensures uniformly crispy shrimp. Transfer cooked shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Toss with Sauce

Place the crispy shrimp in a bowl and toss them immediately with the bang bang sauce you made earlier. This coats the shrimp with every bit of creamy, sweet, and spicy goodness, elevating their flavor to taco perfection.

Step 7: Toast the Tortillas

Lightly toast the white corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet for about 30 seconds per side. This brings out their nutty flavor and helps them hold up under the fillings without falling apart.

Step 8: Assemble the Tacos

Layer each tortilla with shredded cabbage for crunch, then add 2 to 3 shrimp per taco. Drizzle with extra bang bang sauce if you like, and finish with cilantro, green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, and jalapenos for a fresh, zesty touch. These vibrant tacos are now ready to devour!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with small peeled shrimp soaking in a white liquid, which covers most of the shrimp and creates a soft, creamy look. On the right, there is a white plate with a pile of white flour or powder. A silver tong holds some flour above the plate, with the tong slightly open and angled downward into the powder. The overall colors are pale and soft, with the shrimp pale pink and light beige, and the flour a bright white. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple, fresh garnishes bring this dish to life. Cilantro adds an herbaceous brightness, green onions offer a subtle mild bite, and a squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness for a refreshing finish. Adding thin jalapenos is a lovely optional touch if you want a little extra heat and color on the plate.

Side Dishes

Complement these tacos with light, fresh sides like a crisp jicama slaw, mango salsa, or a classic Mexican street corn salad. These sides keep the meal lively without overpowering the bold flavors of the bang bang shrimp. For something heartier, consider black beans or cilantro lime rice as perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve these tacos in mini cast iron skillets or on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, stylish presentation. Adding small bowls of extra bang bang sauce and lime wedges invites everyone to customize their bites. For a fun party idea, create a taco bar with all the toppings laid out so everyone builds their own masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover bang bang shrimp or assembled tacos, store the shrimp and sauce separately from the tortillas and toppings in airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the tacos from getting soggy. Refrigerate leftovers and aim to enjoy them within 2 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

The shrimp can be frozen without the sauce. After frying and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. The sauce and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, so it’s best to make those fresh each time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect crunch. Warm tortillas separately on a skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before marinating and frying. Pat them dry well to help the cornstarch coating stick and achieve maximum crispness.

What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce, you can mix sweet chili paste with a bit of honey or sugar and a splash of rice vinegar to mimic the sweet, tangy, mildly spicy profile.

Are there non-fried versions of bang bang shrimp tacos?

Yes, you can bake or air fry the shrimp for a lighter version. Toss shrimp in the marinade and cornstarch, then bake at 425°F or air fry for about 8-10 minutes until crispy.

What type of tortillas work best?

Small white corn tortillas are ideal because they have a subtle flavor and soft texture that complements the shrimp beautifully without overpowering it. You can also use soft flour tortillas if preferred.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is adjustable! The combination of Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha can be tweaked according to your heat tolerance. Start with less Sriracha, then add more as you taste the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about biting into Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe that you’ve made yourself. They’re a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy that feels like a small celebration with every mouthful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these tacos turn any meal into a flavorful fiesta. So grab those ingredients and dive in—your new favorite taco night is just around the corner!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need