Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dish that makes your taste buds dance with joy? Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are just that—a delightful fusion of crispy shrimp, zesty sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. The combination of flavors and textures creates an unforgettable experience that invites you to savor each bite.
This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings, taco nights, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Picture yourself biting into a taco bursting with flavors: the crispy shrimp paired with a creamy, spicy sauce and topped with crunchy cabbage and fresh cilantro. It’s a meal that promises excitement and satisfaction, making it a must-try for any seafood lover!
Key Ingredients For Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, uncooked shrimp for the best texture; deveined shrimp will save time during preparation.
- Tortillas: Opt for soft corn or flour tortillas according to your preference; they should be pliable enough to hold all the fillings.
- Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage adds a nice crunch; you can substitute with red cabbage for added color.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor profile of the tacos; use it generously for a burst of freshness.
- Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating on the shrimp; they are ideal for frying.
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Use regular or light mayonnaise as the base of your sauce for creaminess; it helps bind all other ingredients together.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds sweetness and tang; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Sriracha: For heat, Sriracha is perfect; add more if you love extra spice in your tacos.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispiness when frying.
Second Step: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Adjust the quantities based on your desired level of sweetness and spice. Set aside.
Third Step: Coat the Shrimp
In one bowl, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk an egg. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with some seasoning. Dip each shrimp into flour first, then into egg wash, followed by breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating.
Fourth Step: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes each side). Remove from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Fifth Step: Assemble Tacos
Warm your tortillas on a skillet or microwave briefly. Place crispy shrimp onto each tortilla, top with shredded cabbage and drizzle generously with the prepared sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Transfer to plates and serve immediately for an enjoyable meal!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp yields better flavor compared to previously frozen shrimp.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Sriracha in your sauce based on personal preference for heat.
- Keep Oil Temperature Steady: Maintaining oil temperature while frying ensures even cooking without sogginess.
Cooking Instructions
To prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, start by cooking the shrimp. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dredge the shrimp in seasoned flour, then fry them until crispy and golden. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Next, make the bang bang sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir well to blend all ingredients thoroughly. Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more sriracha if desired.
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos. Warm the tortillas on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Place a layer of shredded cabbage on each tortilla for crunch. Add a portion of crispy shrimp and drizzle with the bang bang sauce.
Finally, garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for various occasions and pair well with:
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- Crispy potato wedges: They add a delightful crunch and complement the flavors of the tacos.
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- Fresh fruit salsa: A mix of mango and pineapple salsa enhances the tropical vibe.
- Chilled beverages: Pair these tacos with margaritas or refreshing iced tea.
Storage Tips
You can store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos separately. Keep any remaining shrimp and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. The tacos should be consumed within two days for optimal freshness. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet to regain their crispiness.
Avoid pre-stacking your tacos if you plan to store them; this can make them soggy. Instead, assemble them just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos offer a fun and flavorful meal option packed with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from mayonnaise. Each taco typically contains around 250 calories, depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.
Shrimp is low in calories but high in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers. Consider using whole grain tortillas to boost fiber content while reducing refined carbs.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy and spicy condiment made from mayonnaise mixed with sweet chili sauce and sriracha. This delectable sauce gives dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos their signature flavor profile—sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once! It’s incredibly versatile as you can adjust its spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste preferences.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp for making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Just ensure that you thaw them properly before cooking. Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes until they defrost completely. Drain them well before seasoning and frying to get that perfect crispy texture without excess moisture affecting the cooking process.
How can I make these tacos healthier?
To create healthier versions of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, consider baking or air-frying the shrimp instead of deep-frying them. Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas for added fiber. Additionally, you might substitute light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for regular mayonnaise in your bang bang sauce to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
What toppings work well with these tacos?
Many toppings enhance the flavor of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Fresh cilantro adds brightness while diced avocados provide creaminess. You might also consider adding sliced jalapeños for an extra kick or pickled red onions for tanginess. Finally, squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos right before serving to elevate all flavors beautifully!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful treat that blends crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for taco nights or casual gatherings, these tacos promise an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. With tender shrimp, crunchy cabbage, and fresh cilantro, they are both satisfying and exciting—ideal for any seafood lover looking to elevate their meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large uncooked shrimp, deveined
- 4 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage (or red cabbage)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha; set aside.
- Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with panko.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat; fry shrimp until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side).
- Warm tortillas; fill each with shrimp, cabbage, and sauce. Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (180g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results. Adjust Sriracha to control spiciness. Consider baking the shrimp for a healthier version.



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