Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos—a mouthwatering fusion of crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh, crunchy toppings. Inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill appetizer, this easy-to-make taco version is perfect for Taco Tuesday, summer cookouts, or anytime you crave something irresistibly delicious.
With golden, crunchy shrimp, a luscious bang bang sauce, and a refreshing slaw for balance, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Restaurant-quality at home – Just as good (if not better!) than takeout.
- Perfect texture contrast – Crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh slaw.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable heat – Adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Crowd-pleasing – Great for parties or weeknight dinners.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Bang Bang Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ½ cup diced avocado
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 10 minutes (helps coating stick).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Toss fried shrimp in half the sauce (reserve extra for drizzling).
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas and layer with:
- Shredded cabbage
- Bang Bang shrimp
- Diced avocado
- Extra sauce drizzle
- Cilantro & lime squeeze
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add pickled jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips!
FAQs
Q: Can I bake or air-fry the shrimp?
A: Yes! For air-fryer, spray shrimp with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Use GF flour and corn tortillas.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but skip frying—just warm and toss in sauce.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
A: Mexican street corn, black beans, or cilantro-lime rice.
Q: How spicy is the sauce?
A: Medium—reduce sriracha for mild or add more for extra heat.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Double-fry shrimp – For extra crispiness, fry twice at 325°F then 375°F.
- Make extra sauce – It’s great for dipping or drizzling.
- Prep toppings ahead – Slaw and sauce can be made in advance.
- Use fresh lime – Brightens all the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan – Lowers oil temp, making shrimp soggy.
- Skipping the buttermilk soak – Helps coating adhere better.
- Over-saucing – Toss lightly to keep shrimp crispy.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate combo of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and fresh—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Quick enough for weeknights but impressive for guests, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Crispy, Creamy & Spicy Perfection
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and spicy, offering a delightful twist to your taco nights. The shrimp are coated in a light and crispy batter, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, and served with crunchy slaw in warm tortillas. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner or a fun party dish!
Ingredients
🛒 For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Oil for frying
🛒 For the Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
🛒 For the Tacos:
8 small tortillas
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and shrimp. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Dredge marinated shrimp in the flour mixture, coating well.
Fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until coated.
Assemble tacos by placing slaw in each tortilla, topping with shrimp, and garnishing with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
