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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

4.7 from 123 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos feature tender shrimp coated in a spiced flour and panko breadcrumb crust, fried to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy spicy mayo sauce, fresh shredded cabbage, and creamy avocado slices, all served on warm flour tortillas with a zesty lime squeeze. This quick and delicious shrimp taco recipe brings a vibrant combination of crunchy texture, spicy heat, and fresh toppings perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or fun gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Tacos Assembly

  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Soak Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp and buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and impart flavor to the shrimp.
  2. Prepare Seasoned Flour: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned dredging flour.
  3. Dredge Shrimp in Flour: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess coating.
  4. Coat Shrimp with Panko: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk briefly, then press into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated, ensuring a crispy crust.
  5. Fry Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  6. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Taste and adjust the heat to your liking by adding more sriracha if desired.
  7. Assemble Tacos: Lay out the flour tortillas and top each with a handful of shredded cabbage, several fried shrimp, a drizzle of the bang bang sauce, and avocado slices.
  8. Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, adding a fresh citrus brightness to each bite.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying shrimp.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice if needed.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option, but check the ingredient labels.
  • Leftover fried shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature.

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce, Quick Shrimp Recipe