Okay, seriously, who can resist that sweet and spicy combo? I’m talking about the kind that makes you wanna do a little dance in your seat! That’s exactly what you get with this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe – total crowd-pleaser, trust me. It’s got that creamy, dreamy sauce and perfectly crispy shrimp. What’s not to love?

I first tried something like this at a tiny little food truck down by the beach, and I was hooked! But, of course, I had to put my own spin on it. After a few (okay, maybe more than a few!) tries, I finally nailed it. Now, this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a regular at my house, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Get ready for some serious taco night magic!

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Seriously, you NEED this recipe in your life! Why, you ask? Well, lemme tell you:

Quick and Easy

Don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? No problem! This comes together FAST. We’re talking weeknight dinner quick!

Incredibly Flavorful

That bang bang sauce? It’s a total flavor explosion. Creamy, spicy, savory… everything you could want in a taco!

Customizable Spice Level

Not a fan of too much heat? No worries, just dial back the Sriracha. Want to kick it up a notch? Add more! It’s all up to you.

Perfect for Sharing

Got friends coming over? This is THE recipe to make. Everyone loves tacos, and these are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these crazy-delicious bang bang shrimp tacos. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff – it makes all the difference, trust me!

For the Bang Bang Sauce

This is where the magic happens! You’ll need:

1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for that extra richness!)
1/4 cup chili garlic sauce (the kind in the jar – Huy Fong is my go-to)
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (or more, if you’re feeling brave!)

For the Shrimp

Gotta have the star of the show! Here’s what to grab:

1 1/2 pounds extra-large (26-30 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined (nobody wants shrimp shells in their tacos!)
1 cup buttermilk (this makes the shrimp SO tender!)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch (for that extra-crispy coating!)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Tacos

Let’s load these babies up! You’ll need:

10 taco-sized flour tortillas, warmed (or Bibb lettuce leaves for a lighter option!)
8 ounces shredded cabbage, about 3 cups (pre-shredded is fine, I won’t judge!)
Thinly sliced radishes (for a little crunch and pop of color!)
Thinly sliced jalapeño peppers (if you like it hot!)
Sliced green onions
Chopped cilantro (because cilantro makes everything better, right?)

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on some seriously delicious bang bang shrimp tacos in no time. Promise!

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

First things first, let’s make that amazing sauce! Just whisk together the mayo, chili garlic sauce, and Sriracha in a bowl until it’s all smooth and creamy. Taste it and add more Sriracha if you want more of a kick! You can store this in the fridge for up to two days. (If it lasts that long, haha!)

Marinate the Shrimp

Now, for the shrimp! Pop those little guys in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them hang out for about 20 minutes. This is key for super tender shrimp, so don’t skip it!

Bread the Shrimp

While the shrimp are marinating, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Trust me, the cornstarch is what makes them extra crispy. Set up a cooling rack on a sheet pan – this helps the breading stay put. Then, drain the buttermilk from the shrimp and toss them in the flour mixture, a few at a time. Make sure they’re fully coated, then shake off any extra flour and lay them on that cooling rack. We want them to dry out a bit while the oil heats up.

Fry the Shrimp

Okay, this part’s important! Grab a big pot (like a Dutch oven) and pour in the vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. A thermometer is your best friend here! It’ll take about 20 minutes to get there, so be patient. Now, carefully add a handful of shrimp to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the oil temp will drop! After a minute, give them a little stir with a slotted spoon to keep them from sticking together. Fry for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove them with that slotted spoon and put them on a paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain. If you’re making a big batch, pop the cooked shrimp in a 200°F oven to keep them warm while you finish frying the rest. Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them in a bowl with about a cup of that bang bang sauce. Make sure they’re all nicely coated! Save the rest of the sauce for drizzling.

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Assemble the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Finally, the best part! Warm up your tortillas (I like to do them in a dry skillet). Then, pile on some shredded cabbage, top with the saucy shrimp, and drizzle with even MORE sauce (if you’re like me!). Garnish with radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro. And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy! These are definitely best enjoyed right away, while the shrimp is still crispy.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Want to take these tacos from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Seriously, this is a big one! If you toss too much shrimp in the oil at once, the temperature drops, and you’ll end up with soggy shrimp instead of crispy goodness. Nobody wants that!

Adjust the Spice to Your Liking

Remember that Sriracha we talked about? Don’t be afraid to play around with it! Add a little more, add a little less – make it perfect for YOUR taste buds!

Serve Immediately for the Best Texture

These tacos are at their absolute BEST when the shrimp is still hot and crispy. So, assemble them right before you’re ready to eat. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Okay, so sometimes you gotta make do with what you’ve got, right? Here are a few notes on the ingredients, plus some easy swaps if you’re in a pinch. The goal? Keep those bang bang shrimp tacos tasting AMAZING!

Shrimp Size

I usually go for extra-large (26-30 count) shrimp because they’re a good size for tacos. But, hey, use what you can find! Just remember, smaller shrimp will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Larger shrimp might need a tad more time in the oil.

Chili Garlic Sauce

That chili garlic sauce is kinda key to the whole “bang bang” thing. But if you can’t find it, don’t panic! Mix some Sriracha with a little minced garlic and a touch of sugar. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

Tortilla Options

Flour tortillas are my go-to for these, but corn tortillas work great too, especially if you’re gluten-free. Or, for a lighter option, try serving the shrimp in crisp lettuce wraps. Bibb lettuce is perfect!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These tacos are amazing on their own, but why not make it a fiesta? Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Side Dishes

Some fluffy Mexican rice and seasoned black beans are always a good call. Or, for something a little lighter, try a crunchy coleslaw. Yum!

Drink Pairings

Wash it all down with a cold Mexican beer (like a Corona or Modelo). Feeling fancy? Whip up some margaritas! Or, for a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing limeade is perfect.

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made a batch of these awesome bang bang shrimp tacos, and you (somehow!) have leftovers. Here’s how to keep ’em tasting great the next day:

Storing Leftovers

Whatever you do, don’t store the assembled tacos! The tortillas will get soggy. Instead, store the shrimp separately from the toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresher.

Reheating Instructions

Nobody likes rubbery shrimp! Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Just until warmed through, okay? Then, assemble your tacos with fresh toppings. You’re good to go!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making these amazing bang bang shrimp tacos? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw it properly. The best way? Pop it in the fridge overnight. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it under cold running water. Just be sure to pat it dry really well before you bread it, or it’ll get soggy!

How can I make the Bang Bang Sauce less spicy?

Easy peasy! Just dial back the Sriracha. Or, for an even milder sauce, you can add a little bit of honey or a squeeze of lime juice to balance out the heat.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of frying?

You bet! Grilling is a great option, especially if you’re trying to be a little healthier. Just toss the shrimp with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them for a few minutes per side, until they’re pink and cooked through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious!

What other toppings can I use?

Get creative! I love adding some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. Or, try some pickled red onions for a little tang. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is always a nice touch, too. The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Okay, so let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, and honestly, I’m usually too busy chowing down to worry about this stuff. But, for those of you who are curious, here’s a *very* rough estimate of the nutritional info for one of these bang bang shrimp tacos.

Keep in mind, this is just a ballpark figure! It’ll change depending on the exact ingredients you use (like the brand of mayo or the size of your tortillas). So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Also, I’m not gonna list out every single vitamin and mineral. Ain’t nobody got time for that! But here’s the gist:

Calories: Honestly? Probably a decent amount. Fried shrimp and creamy sauce… you know the drill!
Fat: Again, not exactly a “light” dish. But hey, sometimes you gotta treat yourself!
Protein: Good news! Shrimp is packed with protein, so you’re getting a good boost there.
Carbs: Mostly from the tortillas and the breading on the shrimp.

Basically, these bang bang shrimp tacos are a delicious indulgence. Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget to load up on those veggies to balance things out! And hey, if you’re really watching your waistline, you can always try grilling the shrimp instead of frying it. Just sayin’!

Ready to make your own Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe?

Alright, are you drooling yet? I know I am! Seriously, you HAVE to try this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. It’s a guaranteed winner! And hey, if you do make it, be sure to come back and leave a comment below. I wanna know what you think! Rate the recipe, too – let me know how much you loved it!