Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both fun and full of flavor, let me introduce you to Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! These tacos are a delightful blend of crispy shrimp and zesty sauce, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. I love how they bring everyone together, and the joy of assembling your own tacos adds a touch of excitement to the meal.

What truly makes this recipe special is its balance of flavor and texture. The crunchy shrimp paired with creamy avocado and fresh cabbage creates a wonderful eating experience. Plus, with just a few simple steps, you can whip up a dish that will impress your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love building their own tacos with the fun toppings!
• Versatile Flavors: The bang bang sauce can be adjusted for spice levels, catering to everyone’s palate.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the shrimp in advance and fry them right before serving for a stress-free dinner.
• Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy wholesome, simple ingredients that come together beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is part of the fun! For these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, you’ll need simple and wholesome items that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp

• 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

For the Sauce

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

For Assembly

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Instead of shrimp, try using chicken or tofu for a different twist.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some crunchy veggies like diced bell peppers or radishes for extra texture.
• Try different toppings: Mix things up by adding fresh cilantro or pickled onions on top.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, sprinkle some chopped jalapeños over your tacos!

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Step 1: Soak the Shrimp

Start by soaking the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This not only tenderizes the shrimp but also infuses them with flavor. The buttermilk helps create that irresistible crispy coating later on!

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In another bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give your shrimp an amazing flavor boost!

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. This step is crucial as it helps create that crunchy exterior we all crave.

Step 4: Add Panko Crunch

After dredging in flour, dip each shrimp back into the buttermilk one more time. Then coat them with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. Panko gives an extra crunch that makes these tacos so delightful.

Step 5: Fry Them Up

Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb—it should sizzle!), carefully fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown—about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels afterward to keep them crispy.

Step 6: Make Your Bang Bang Sauce

While your shrimp are frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha based on how spicy you want it—this sauce is what really brings everything together!

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Take each tortilla and place a generous handful of shredded cabbage on top. Add several pieces of fried shrimp next, then drizzle with that delicious bang bang sauce. Top it all off with slices of creamy avocado.

Step 8: Serve with Lime Wedges

Don’t forget those lime wedges! They’re perfect for squeezing over your tacos right before taking that first bite—trust me; it elevates all those flavors even more.

And there you have it! A fabulous dish ready to share with family or friends. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Making the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is all about those little details that elevate the dish to the next level. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your tacos turn out fabulous every time!

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp that has been recently caught or frozen immediately after being harvested.
• Perfect your frying technique: To achieve that crispy texture, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. You can test this by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it bubbles and turns golden brown within seconds, you’re ready to fry!
• Customize your bang bang sauce: Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the bang bang sauce to suit your taste buds. Adding more sriracha can kick up the heat, while honey can enhance sweetness.
• Warm the tortillas: Lightly warming your flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds can make them more pliable and enhance their flavor, making it easier to fold without tearing.
• Experiment with toppings: While we love the classic avocado and cabbage combo, feel free to get creative! Consider adding mango salsa or pickled red onions for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Serving your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in a delightful way can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience. Here are some suggestions on how to present this tasty dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Lime wedges: Providing lime wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their tacos, enhancing flavors and adding brightness.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and lime complements the tacos well and helps soak up any extra sauce.
• Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing offers protein and pairs wonderfully with seafood.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with lime and chili powder brings a fun crunch and sweetness that balances out the spicy tacos.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip serves as a rich counterpoint to the crispy shrimp, making it perfect for dipping or spreading on tacos.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a spectacular taco night featuring Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Enjoy each bite as you share these delicious creations with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare various components in advance, making it easy to whip up a delicious dinner in no time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate the shrimp for up to 2 days and the sauce for up to a week.
• Keep tortillas and cabbage in a separate bag or container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze the fried shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• The shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date!
• Avoid freezing the sauce and tortillas as they are best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

• To reheat the shrimp, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• If using a microwave, heat in short bursts (30 seconds) to avoid sogginess.
• Assemble your tacos fresh with cabbage, avocado, and sauce right before serving!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have:

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just store everything separately in airtight containers.

What type of shrimp should I use for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for crispy results. Fresh or frozen both work well!

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The spice level can be adjusted based on how much sriracha you add to the bang bang sauce. Feel free to start with less if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I use different toppings for my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos as much as I do! They bring a perfect blend of flavors that will surely impress family and friends alike. Whether it’s taco night or just a fun dinner idea, these tacos are bound to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your toppings and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!