Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

This crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe transforms ordinary taco night into something extraordinary with its perfect balance of spicy sweet sauce and crunchy textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I discovered this recipe while trying to recreate my favorite restaurant appetizer and it's since become our Friday night tradition. My husband now requests these tacos instead of going out for dinner.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh medium sized works best as they cook quickly and stay tender
• Buttermilk: Creates the perfect tender texture and helps the coating stick beautifully
• Cornstarch and flour mixture: Creates that irresistibly light and crispy exterior
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides the signature sweetness in the bang bang sauce
• Sriracha: Adds the perfect kick that can be adjusted to your heat preference
• Fresh cabbage: Offers essential crunch that balances the soft shrimp texture
• Lime juice: Brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

Whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and vinegar until completely smooth. Make this first so the flavors have time to meld. The sauce should have a vibrant orange hue with visible flecks of chili. If it seems too thick add a few drops of water.

Marinate the Shrimp:

Soak cleaned shrimp in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as the acid in the buttermilk breaks down proteins making the shrimp exceptionally tender. The milk proteins also create a base for the coating to adhere to so dont skip this step.

Mix the Coating:

Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly in a shallow bowl. The cornstarch is key for crispiness while the flour provides structure. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

Fry the Shrimp:

Heat oil to 350°F for optimal cooking. Test with a pinch of flour if it sizzles immediately the oil is ready. Work in small batches of 68 shrimp at a time to maintain oil temperature. Each piece should float and turn golden amber within 23 minutes. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature resulting in soggy coating.

Toss in Sauce:

Use a large bowl to give plenty of room for gentle tossing. The shrimp should be evenly coated but not swimming in sauce. Handle carefully as the crispy coating can detach if tossed too vigorously.

Make the Slaw:

Slice the cabbage thinly for the best texture. The lime juice begins to break down the cabbage fibers so this is the perfect task to do while your shrimp marinates. The slaw provides essential crunch against the soft fried shrimp.

Assemble the Tacos:

Lay out all components assembly line style for efficiency. Slightly char your tortillas for enhanced flavor. Layer in this exact order slaw first to prevent soggy tortillas crispy shrimp sauce drizzle then fresh toppings for the most visually appealing and perfectly balanced bite.

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The sweet chili sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered it years ago at an Asian market and now keep multiple bottles in my pantry at all times. Its become our family secret ingredient in everything from marinades to dipping sauces.

Storage and Reheating

The components of these tacos store best separately. Keep leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than using a microwave which will make them soggy. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week and actually improves in flavor after the first day as ingredients meld. Fresh slaw is best made daily but will keep crisp for about 24 hours if stored without dressing.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be easily modified for various dietary needs. For gluten-free tacos substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend and use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. The cornstarch already provides excellent crispiness so the texture remains nearly identical. Those watching calories can opt to bake the shrimp instead of frying by coating with a light spray of oil and baking at 425°F for 10-12 minutes turning halfway through cooking time. The sauce can be lightened by using Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair beautifully with sides that complement their flavor profile. Try serving with cilantro lime rice Mexican street corn or a simple black bean salad. For drinks a crisp lager beer cucumber margarita or even a sparkling limeade provides refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. If serving for a crowd set up a taco bar with all components separated allowing guests to build their own perfect taco with their preferred amount of sauce and toppings.

Cultural Inspiration

Bang Bang Shrimp originated as a popular appetizer at American seafood restaurants but draws inspiration from various Asian flavors particularly Thai sweet chili sauce. This fusion taco brings together elements of American Southern cuisine with its buttermilk marinade and crispy frying technique Mexican presentation in tortilla form and Asian flavor profiles in the signature sauce. Its a perfect example of how culinary traditions can blend to create something entirely new and delicious that transcends any single cultural boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?

Ensure the shrimp are fully coated in the dry mixture, and fry them in batches without overcrowding the skillet. This allows the shrimp to cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely before marinating to avoid excess moisture during frying.

→ What else can I add to the slaw?

You can mix in julienned bell peppers, thinly sliced radishes, or a touch of grated ginger for added flavor and texture.

→ Can this dish be made healthier?

For a lighter version, bake or air fry the shrimp instead of frying them in oil. You can also use whole grain tortillas and Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise in the sauce.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

To make it spicier, add more sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and use more sweet chili sauce.