Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
What makes these tacos extra special is the crispy shrimp paired with the creamy, tangy bang bang sauce. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory, and each bite is a little bit of heaven.
Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pot
- Medium bowl
- Shallow Dish
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Small bowl
- Serving Platter or Plates
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Tacos:
- 8 soft flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Slices of avocado optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important because you want the shrimp to be as dry as possible before frying, so the batter sticks better.
- In a medium bowl, add the buttermilk and egg. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. This will be your marinade for the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp to the buttermilk and egg mixture. Make sure each shrimp is fully submerged. Let them marinate in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
- Pro Tip: The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavor they’ll absorb, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
- In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly. This will create the crispy coating for your shrimp.
- Once the shrimp are marinated, use tongs to remove them from the buttermilk mixture. Let the excess liquid drip off, then drop each shrimp into the flour-cornstarch mixture.
- Coat each shrimp evenly, pressing gently to make sure they’re fully covered. Shake off any excess coating.
- Pro Tip: For extra crunch, double-coat the shrimp. Dip them back into the buttermilk and egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in your fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread — it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully drop the coated shrimp into the hot oil, a few at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot — this ensures the shrimp fry evenly and become crispy.
- Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil. If it’s too hot, the shrimp will burn before they’re cooked through. If it’s too cool, they’ll be soggy instead of crispy.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier, or a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Pro Tip: The sauce is where all the flavor comes together. Don’t skip the honey — it balances the heat and gives the sauce its signature sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm your taco shells in the oven or on a skillet for about 1-2 minutes. This step makes the tortillas soft and easy to fold.
- Start by placing a small amount of shredded cabbage or slaw in each taco shell. This adds a crunchy texture and freshness to balance the richness of the shrimp.
- Add about 4-5 crispy shrimp into each taco.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the shrimp. You can also add a little extra on the side for dipping if you like!
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and optional sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Pro Tip: If you’re serving these tacos for a party or dinner, keep the taco components separate and let everyone assemble their own. It makes for a fun, customizable experience!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Cholesterol: ~180mg
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Sugar: ~7g
- Fiber: ~2g
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.