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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
Dredge Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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