The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Taco is a fun and tasty twist on classic tacos, packed with crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce. The crunch of the shrimp combined with fresh toppings like crunchy slaw and creamy avocado makes every bite a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
I love making these tacos when I want something fast but still exciting for dinner. The shrimp cook up super quick, and the sauce is easy to whip together with just a few ingredients. I like to make extra sauce because putting a little more on top is always a good idea!
When I serve these, I usually pile on some fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to brighten everything up. They’re great for casual dinners or even a fun weekend get-together. These tacos always bring smiles and are sure to become a favorite in your house, just like they did in mine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work best for these tacos because they cook fast and stay tender. If you can’t find shrimp, small scallops or chunks of firm white fish are good alternatives.
Coating mix: Using half flour and half cornstarch makes the shrimp extra crispy. You can swap cornstarch for rice flour if you want a gluten-free option.
Buttermilk: This makes the batter light and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is creamy with a mild kick from Sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can replace sweet chili sauce with honey and a bit of hot sauce or sriracha for heat and sweetness balance.
Tortillas: Both flour or corn tortillas work well here. If you want a low-carb option, try lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy twist.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp for Tacos?
The trick to crispy shrimp is the coating and frying at just the right temperature. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix flour and cornstarch: This combo gives a light crunch while holding the batter well.
- Dip shrimp in wet batter (egg and buttermilk) before the dry mix. This helps the coating stick nicely.
- Heat your oil to 350°F (or medium-high) and keep it steady. Too hot burns the coating; too low makes it greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for even cooking and crispy results.
- Drain on paper towels right after frying to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.
Follow these steps, and your shrimp will be golden, crunchy, and just right for those tasty tacos!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan – perfect for frying shrimp evenly and keeping oil at the right temperature.
- Slotted spoon – helps you lift out shrimp easily while leaving oil behind.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet batter and one for dry coating makes dipping shrimp simple and mess-free.
- Whisk – great for combining batter ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Paper towels – essential for draining fried shrimp to keep them crispy.
- Small bowl – for mixing the bang bang sauce quickly and easily.
- Skillet or microwave – to warm tortillas before assembling tacos for soft, pliable shells.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping shrimp for crispy fried chicken pieces when you want a milder flavor and heartier bite.
- Add sliced avocado or mango for a creamy, sweet contrast that balances the spicy sauce.
- Mix in crunchy pickled jalapeños or radishes for tang and extra crunch.
- Use fresh chopped mint or basil instead of cilantro for a different herby twist that’s fresh and bright.
The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp and Coating:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. Prep the shrimp and coating for 10 minutes, fry the shrimp for around 10 minutes, and then assemble your tacos in about 5 minutes. It’s quick and makes a fantastic meal any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp Coating:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry mix will give your shrimp a flavorful, crispy crust.
2. Make the Wet Batter:
In another bowl, beat the egg and stir in the buttermilk until smooth. This helps the dry coating stick perfectly to each shrimp.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pan to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter in it: it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
4. Coat and Fry the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp first into the wet batter, then dredge it in the dry flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in batches, but don’t crowd the pan. Fry each batch for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain.
5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Add more Sriracha if you like a spicier sauce, or less for a milder kick.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Place a handful of shredded cabbage in each tortilla, then top with 3–4 pieces of fried shrimp. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish your tacos off with some sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, flavorful bang bang shrimp tacos — they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Pat them dry well to ensure the coating sticks and the shrimp get crispy.
How Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Milder?
Reduce or omit the Sriracha sauce and add a little extra sweet chili sauce or mayonnaise to keep it creamy and flavorful without the heat.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Shrimp?
You can bake the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying, but it’s a healthier alternative that still tastes great!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Store shrimp and sauce separately from the tortillas and cabbage in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet, then assemble fresh tacos to keep them from getting soggy.
