Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

If you are craving a dinner that feels fun, fresh, and a little bit bold, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw is a recipe you will want to make again and again. The crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy cabbage slaw come together in soft tortillas for a meal that tastes like restaurant food but is easy enough for a weeknight. It is a great fit for home cooks, busy parents, students, and anyone who wants a fast dinner with big flavor.

These bang bang shrimp tacos bring together sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite. The slaw adds crunch, the shrimp stay juicy inside, and the sauce gives the whole taco that signature kick. You can make the components ahead of time, which helps a lot on busy nights. If you like shrimp recipes with a little heat, this one is a keeper.

Tip: This recipe makes 12 tacos, so it works well for family dinner, a casual party, or a meal with leftovers for the next day.

• Easy to make: Ready in about 45 minutes with simple steps.
• Great texture: Crispy shrimp, soft tortillas, and crunchy slaw.
• Customizable: Add avocado, tomatoes, or jalapeños.
• Full of flavor: Sweet chili sauce and sriracha give the bang bang sauce its signature taste.

If you enjoy easy seafood dinners, you may also like this creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque or this butter grilled wahoo steaks for another simple fish and seafood meal.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw Ingredients

Coleslaw topping

• 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage, a mix of green and purple
• 3 thinly sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Bang bang sauce

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha

Shrimp tacos

• 1 pound jumbo or extra large peeled and deveined shrimp
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 to 2 cups cornstarch for dredging
• Vegetable oil for frying, enough to fill the pan about 2 inches deep
• 12 soft flour tortillas, taco-sized
• Lime wedges, for serving

The ingredient list is simple, but each part matters. The cabbage mix gives fresh crunch, the buttermilk helps the shrimp stay tender, and the cornstarch creates that light, crispy coating. If you want to learn more about the nutrition side of shrimp, take a look at this helpful guide to shrimp health benefits.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

Step 1: Mix the slaw

Add the cabbage, scallions, cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then toss until everything is coated. Set the slaw aside while you cook the shrimp.

Step 2: Stir together the bang bang sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and add more sriracha if you want extra heat. You can also make the sauce a day ahead and keep it chilled until serving time.

Step 3: Prep the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season them lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the buttermilk so they get a light coating before dredging. This helps the cornstarch cling well and keeps the shrimp tender after frying.

Step 4: Fry until crispy

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-duty pan to 350 to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then fry in batches for about 4 minutes until crispy and golden. Move the cooked shrimp to paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Toss and assemble

Toss the hot shrimp with half or two-thirds of the bang bang sauce. Warm the tortillas, then add 2 shrimp pieces to each taco. Top with slaw, a squeeze of lime, and extra sauce if you want more flavor. Serve right away while the shrimp are still crisp.

Recipe Snapshot

Helpful Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Get the best texture

Use jumbo or extra-large shrimp because they shrink as they cook. If the shrimp are too small, they can disappear inside the tacos. Cornstarch also works better than flour for a crisp coating, so keep it in the pantry for this recipe.

Watch the oil temperature

Temperature matters a lot here. Keep the oil between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit, and fry the shrimp in batches so the oil does not cool down too much. A thermometer helps you stay in the right range and keeps the shrimp from getting greasy.

Make parts ahead of time

You can prep the bang bang sauce 1 to 2 days ahead. You can also slice the slaw vegetables early, then dress the slaw right before serving so it stays crisp. That makes this one of the easiest easy bang bang shrimp tacos meals for a busy night.

Try easy toppings

Want to make the tacos your own? Add avocado, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños. Fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges also work well if you like a bright finish.

Best tip: Fry in a heavy-duty pan, like cast iron, and use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or canola oil.

If you like bold dinner ideas, you might also enjoy this taco casserole for another family-friendly meal that brings big flavor to the table.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw Variations

Make it lighter

If you want a lighter version, you can cook the shrimp in an air fryer instead of deep frying. The texture will be a little different, but you still get a crunchy bite. Just make sure the shrimp are coated well and cooked until golden.

Adjust the heat

The heat level is easy to control. Use less sriracha for a mild taco, or add more if your family likes spicy food. The sweet chili sauce balances the heat, so the bang bang sauce stays creamy and friendly for most eaters.

Switch up the slaw

You can also mix in a little extra lime juice or add sliced green onions for more bite. Some cooks like to add a spoonful of bang bang sauce into the slaw for a creamier version. Both ways taste great with the crispy shrimp.

Serve with simple sides

These tacos go well with rice, chips, or a fresh salad. For another cabbage-friendly meal, you may also like this ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe.

Nutrition Information

Here is the nutritional information for one serving of 3 tacos, based on the recipe details provided:

This is a filling meal with good protein from the shrimp and fresh crunch from the slaw. If you are watching sodium or calories, you can use a little less sauce and add extra cabbage to stretch the tacos.

FAQ About Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

---

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (12 tacos)

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

🌮 Crispy fried shrimp coated in addictive sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, piled high on soft tortillas with fresh slaw – a crunchy, flavorful taco explosion packed with protein.
🦐 Ready in 45 minutes, these crowd-pleasing fusion tacos bring restaurant vibes home with minimal fuss and endless customization options.

---

Notes

🦐 Choose jumbo or extra-large shrimp as they hold up best after frying.
🌡️ Keep oil at 350-365°F with a thermometer for perfect crispiness without sogginess.
🥗 Prep coleslaw veggies ahead but dress just before serving to stay crunchy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Tacos
• Method: Deep Fry
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tacos
• Calories: 734
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 2035mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 98g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 167mg

Keywords: bang bang shrimp tacos, crispy shrimp tacos, spicy shrimp recipe, fusion tacos