Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos offer a perfect blend of crispy, spicy shrimp with creamy sauce and fresh toppings. This flavorful dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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 crispiness, double coat the shrimp by repeating the flour and panko steps before frying.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce for a lighter version.
• Add fresh cilantro or pickled jalapeños for added flavor and freshness.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and to add a slightly different texture.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp briefly in a hot skillet to retain crispness. Assemble tacos fresh before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the shrimp as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, spicy shrimp with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfectly seasoned and fried shrimp wrapped in soft flour tortillas, topped with fresh cabbage and creamy avocado slices, make these tacos a deliciously addictive dish ideal for a casual lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Breading

• 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)

Taco Assembly

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

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Instructions

1. Soak Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned dredging mixture.
3. Dredge Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra.
4. Coat with Panko: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then thoroughly coat them with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
5. Fry Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain cooked shrimp 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 sriracha quantity to fit your preferred heat level.
7. Assemble Tacos: Lay out the flour tortillas, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each, top with several fried shrimp, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, and add slices of avocado.
8. Serve: Serve the assembled tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lime juice over just before eating to add brightness.

Notes

• Soaking shrimp in buttermilk helps tenderize and adds moisture to the shrimp.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
• Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady between 350-375°F for best frying results.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• These tacos are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Taco Recipe, Seafood Tacos, Bang Bang Sauce