Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Dynamite Shrimp Recipe

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: – 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed; – 1/2 cup buttermilk; – 1/4 tsp salt; – 1/4 tsp black pepper; – 1/4 tsp onion powder; – 1/4 tsp garlic powder; – 3/4 cup corn starch; – Peanut oil or canola oil for frying; – 1/2 cup mayonnaise; – 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce; – 3 tsp sriracha or to taste; – 8 to 12 small white corn tortillas or preferred tortillas; – 3 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced; – 1 medium tomato, diced; – 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped; – Fresh lime wedges for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

There’s something truly special about crispy, golden shrimp wrapped in a warm tortilla with a creamy, spicy sauce drizzled on top. These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen without the restaurant price tag. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends on the weekend, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort.

Ease of Preparation

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it comes together. With just 30 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking, you can have these tasty tacos on the table in under an hour. The steps are straightforward and don’t require any fancy equipment or advanced cooking skills. Even beginner cooks can achieve perfectly crispy shrimp by following the easy dredging and frying method.

Health Benefits

Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, and each taco packs 14 grams of protein with just 362 calories. You’ll also get a good dose of Vitamin C from the fresh cabbage and tomatoes, plus essential minerals like iron and calcium. According to shrimp health benefits, this shellfish is low in calories yet rich in nutrients, making it a smart choice for those watching their intake while still wanting satisfying meals.

Versatility

These tacos adapt easily to different preferences and dietary needs. You can switch up the proteins, adjust the spice level of the sauce, or try gluten-free tortillas. The recipe works great for meal prep, casual family dinners, or even as an impressive appetizer when entertaining guests. If you enjoy seafood dishes, you might also like this creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque for another comforting option.

Distinctive Flavor

What really makes these tacos stand out is that signature Bang Bang sauce. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha creates a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and heat-packed. When tossed with the crispy cornstarch-coated shrimp and paired with crunchy cabbage and fresh cilantro, every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
2. Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Step-by-Step Guide

4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
5. Mastering Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Best Practices

7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
8. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delicious tacos. Here’s everything you’ll need, organized by component:

Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed – The star of the dish; large shrimp hold up better to frying and provide satisfying bites

1/2 cup buttermilk – Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch coating stick firmly
1/4 tsp salt – Seasons the shrimp from within
1/4 tsp black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth
1/4 tsp onion powder – Provides savory flavor notes
1/4 tsp garlic powder – Adds aromatic goodness
3/4 cup corn starch – Creates that signature extra-crispy exterior

Peanut oil or canola oil for frying – High-heat oils perfect for achieving golden, crispy shrimp

Sauce Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the sauce
3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and mild chili flavor

3 tsp sriracha or to taste – Brings the heat; adjust based on your spice preference

Taco Toppings

8 to 12 small white corn tortillas or preferred tortillas – The vessel for your tacos; corn tortillas add authentic flavor
3 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced – Provides refreshing crunch and beautiful color

1 medium tomato, diced – Adds freshness and juiciness
1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped – Brings bright, herby flavor
Fresh lime wedges for serving – Essential for that final pop of acidity

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, use vegan mayonnaise, and skip the buttermilk (use plant milk with a splash of vinegar instead).

Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using corn tortillas! Just verify your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Low-calorie: For a lighter version, try air-frying the shrimp or using a light mayonnaise in the sauce.

How to Prepare the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these mouthwatering tacos is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for restaurant-worthy results every time.

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by preparing the sauce so the flavors have time to meld together. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 3 teaspoons sriracha. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. For a milder sauce, start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and taste-test before adding more. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until the seasonings are dissolved into the buttermilk. Pour this mixture over 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp (tails removed). Stir to coat all the shrimp evenly, and let them sit in the marinade while you heat the oil. The buttermilk will tenderize the shrimp and help the coating stick.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Place 3/4 cup corn starch in a shallow dish. Remove the shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each shrimp fully on both sides with corn starch, then tap off any excess. Arrange the breaded shrimp on a platter or baking sheet in a single layer. This corn starch coating is the secret to achieving that signature crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour 1 1/2 inches of peanut oil or canola oil into a dutch oven or heavy pot. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature, as this is critical for proper frying. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much grease; if too hot, the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks through.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil reaches 375 degrees F, carefully add the shrimp in small batches, about 6-8 at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature. Fry each batch for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Turn the shrimp halfway through cooking if needed for even browning. Use a strainer or slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Sauce the Shrimp

Place the warm, drained shrimp in a clean bowl. Drizzle about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the shrimp. Let the sauced shrimp rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. The shrimp will soak up some of that creamy sauce while maintaining their crispy coating.

Step 7: Warm the Tortillas

While the shrimp rests, warm your tortillas. Heat a griddle, skillet, or dry pan over medium-high heat. Lightly toast 8 to 12 small white corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable and slightly charred. You can also warm them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side. Stack the warmed tortillas and cover with a clean towel to keep them soft.

Step 8: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Start building your tacos by adding a layer of thinly sliced cabbage (about 3 cups total) to each warm tortilla. Add 2-3 of the sauced shrimp per taco. Top with diced tomato (1 medium tomato, divided among tacos) and coarsely chopped cilantro (1/4 cup total). Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the assembled tacos for extra flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your beautiful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime juice over the tacos right before eating adds brightness that balances the rich, creamy sauce. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh while the shrimp are still crispy.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

One of the wonderful things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some smart substitutions you can make.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If you’re not a shrimp fan or need a different protein, there are several tasty options. Cubed firm tofu works wonderfully when pressed dry and prepared the same way. Cauliflower florets make a great vegetarian option with their satisfying texture. For a fish alternative, try chunks of mild white fish like cod or tilapia, which also fry beautifully. Chicken breast pieces can work too, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

The toppings can be customized based on what you have available and your taste preferences. Instead of cabbage, try shredded lettuce, coleslaw mix, or thinly sliced radishes for crunch. Add diced avocado or guacamole for creaminess. Swap the tomato for pico de gallo or fresh salsa. For the sauce, you can make it milder by reducing the sriracha, or spicier by adding more. A dash of garlic powder or a squeeze of lime juice in the sauce adds extra dimension.

Seasoning variations are endless too. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for more heat, or swap the onion powder for Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile. Smoked paprika in the cornstarch adds a subtle smoky note.

Mastering Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Advanced Tips and Variations

Ready to take your taco game to the next level? Here are some pro tips and creative ideas to make this recipe truly your own.

Pro Cooking Techniques

The key to perfectly crispy shrimp lies in maintaining the oil temperature. Use a thermometer and let the oil return to 375 degrees F between batches. This prevents greasy shrimp and ensures even cooking. Don’t rush the dredging process, either. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated but tap off excess cornstarch to avoid a gummy texture.

Another pro tip is to use corn starch rather than flour for dredging. Corn starch creates a lighter, crispier coating that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce. The buttermilk marinade does double duty by tenderizing the shrimp while helping the coating adhere.

Flavor Variations

Want to switch up the flavor profile? Try these tasty variations:

Honey Bang Bang: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for sweetness

Garlic Bang Bang: Mix in minced garlic or garlic powder to the sauce
Spicy Jalapeno: Add diced fresh jalapenos to the tacos for extra heat
Citrus Bang Bang: Add lime zest to the sauce for bright flavor

Presentation Tips

Make your tacos look as good as they taste with simple presentation tricks. Use a mix of purple and green cabbage for beautiful color contrast. Put extra sauce in a sealable plastic bag, snip a small corner off, and drizzle over tacos for a professional look. Serve on a wooden board or colorful platter with lime wedges on the side. A sprinkle of extra cilantro or some thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh pop of color.

Make-Ahead Options

For busy weeknights or easy entertaining, you can prep components ahead of time. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The cabbage can be shredded and stored in an airtight container. You can even marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes before cooking. Just wait to fry the shrimp until you’re ready to serve for the best crispy texture.

For more taco-inspired dishes, check out this taco casserole recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Best Practices

While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to store leftovers properly if you have any.

Refrigeration

Store leftover cooked shrimp separately from the tortillas and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the extra sauce in a separate container. The assembled tacos don’t store well because the tortillas will become soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp before adding sauce. Place the cooled, fried shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and saucing.

Reheating

To maintain crispiness, reheat the shrimp in a 350 degrees F oven for about 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy. Once reheated, toss with sauce and assemble fresh tacos.

Meal Prep Considerations

For meal prep, store all components separately. Keep the sauce, cooked shrimp, shredded cabbage, diced tomato, and chopped cilantro in individual containers. Warm the tortillas and assemble just before eating for the best texture.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

What are Bang Bang shrimp tacos?

Bang Bang shrimp tacos feature crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. The shrimp originate from a popular Bonefish Grill appetizer, where they’re battered, fried golden, and coated in a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. For tacos, add shredded cabbage slaw, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled cotija cheese. This combo delivers crunchy texture, bold flavors, and a balance of heat and tang in every bite. They’re perfect as a quick dinner or party food, ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps: marinate shrimp in buttermilk, dredge in cornstarch, fry at 375°F, sauce, and assemble. Serves 4 with 8 tacos. (92 words)

What ingredients do I need for Bang Bang shrimp tacos?

For 8 tacos, gather: 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off); marinade: 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp each salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder; dredging: 1 cup cornstarch; frying oil (peanut or canola); Bang Bang sauce: ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat); tacos: 8 small corn tortillas, 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 avocado (diced), ¼ cup cilantro (chopped), 2 limes (wedged), cotija cheese (optional). Prep shrimp first, mix sauce ahead. These yield crispy shrimp with creamy spice and fresh crunch—total cost under $20. Double sauce for drizzling. (112 words)

How do I make Bang Bang shrimp tacos at home?

Start sauce: Whisk ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp sriracha; chill. Marinate 1 lb shrimp in 1 cup buttermilk + seasonings (salt, pepper, onion/garlic powder) for 15-30 min. Heat 2 inches oil to 375°F. Dredge shrimp in 1 cup cornstarch, shake excess, fry in batches 2-3 min until golden and 145°F internal. Drain on paper towels, toss half with sauce. Warm 8 corn tortillas. Assemble: Layer cabbage slaw, sauced shrimp, avocado, cilantro, cotija; squeeze lime. Serve immediately. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temp—prevents sogginess. Total time: 25 min. Pro tip: Make extra sauce for dipping. (118 words)

How do I fry shrimp perfectly for Bang Bang shrimp tacos?

Pat 1 lb shrimp dry after marinating in buttermilk mix. Dredge lightly in cornstarch for max crispiness. Heat 2-3 inches peanut or canola oil to 375°F using a thermometer—too low absorbs oil, too high burns. Fry 6-8 shrimp per batch, 2-3 min until golden and floating, internal 145°F. Use a spider strainer to remove; drain on wire rack over sheet pan. Let oil return to 375°F between batches (1-2 min). Toss hot shrimp in Bang Bang sauce right away for adhesion. This method yields restaurant-crunchy results without greasiness. Avoid overcrowding pan. Yields enough for 8 tacos. (104 words)

What are tips for the best Bang Bang shrimp tacos?

Keep oil at steady 375°F with a thermometer for crisp shrimp—add between batches to recover heat. Use ziplock bag: Fill with extra Bang Bang sauce, snip corner, drizzle over assembled tacos for neat presentation. Prep slaw ahead (cabbage + lime juice) to save time. Warm tortillas on griddle 30 sec per side to prevent cracking. Air-fry option: 400°F for 8-10 min, spray oil, shake basket halfway—no deep fry mess. Balance heat: Taste sauce, add sriracha gradually. Garnish with chives or green onions for pop. Store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days; reheat oven 350°F. Fixes common issues like soggy tacos. (114 words)