Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! are the perfect dish for seafood lovers and taco enthusiasts alike. These tacos combine crispy fried shrimp with a spicy bang bang sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Ideal for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of textures and flavors makes these tacos a standout option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
- Bursting with Flavor: The spicy bang bang sauce elevates the shrimp, delivering a delicious kick.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust toppings like avocado or cabbage to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: These tacos are great for parties or family dinners, making them a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick Cooking Time: In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal ready to enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even heating for perfectly fried shrimp.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating shrimp and mixing sauces without mess.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp while frying without burning your fingers.
Ingredients
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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
Step 1: Soak the Shrimp
In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will create a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging each shrimp in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs
Dip each floured shrimp back into the buttermilk. Then coat with panko breadcrumbs by pressing gently to adhere. This will give your shrimp that crispy texture.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
To assemble the tacos:
– Place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla.
– Top with fried shrimp.
– Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.
– Add avocado slices on top.
Step 8: Serve with Lime Wedges
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each taco just before eating. Enjoy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
Serving Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be a fun and interactive experience. With various toppings and sides, you can customize each taco to suit your taste. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Fresh Toppings
- Cilantro – Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Radishes – Thinly sliced radishes add a refreshing crunch and bright color.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream balances the spice of the bang bang sauce.
Accompaniments
- Lime Wedges – Offer lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos to brighten the flavors.
- Hot Sauce – Provide additional hot sauce options for those who love extra heat.
- Pickled Red Onions – These add tanginess and a touch of sweetness that pairs well with shrimp.
Serving Style
- Taco Bar – Set up a taco bar with all toppings and sauces so everyone can build their perfect taco.
- Plated Presentation – For a more formal dining experience, plate each taco and garnish with avocado slices and cabbage for an appealing look.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
Creating the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Bold seasoning – Ensure your flour mixture is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Fresh ingredients – Use fresh shrimp and quality toppings for the best taste.
- Perfect frying temperature – Maintain oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) for crispy shrimp without greasiness.
- Customize spice level – Adjust sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your heat preference.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement these tasty tacos beautifully.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – This salad combines grilled corn, lime, cheese, and spices for a refreshing side.
- Guacamole – Creamy and flavorful, guacamole is perfect for dipping or spreading on tacos.
- Black Bean Salsa – A zesty mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds protein and flavor.
- Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a crunchy contrast to soft tacos.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice with lime zest and cilantro makes a great base alongside your tacos.
- Coleslaw – A light coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that complements the crispy shrimp perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be a fun experience, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the buttermilk soak: Not soaking the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to less tender and flavorful shrimp. Always allow at least 30 minutes for this step.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry them in smaller batches for that crispy texture.
- Not adjusting spice levels: If you skip tasting the bang bang sauce, it might end up too spicy or bland. Always taste and adjust sriracha based on your heat preference.
- Using stale breadcrumbs: Stale panko breadcrumbs won’t give you the crunch you desire. Always check for freshness before using them.
- Neglecting fresh toppings: Missing out on fresh toppings like avocado and cabbage can lessen the flavor profile of your tacos. Load up on these ingredients for added texture and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
- Freeze fried shrimp separately from the tortillas and toppings.
- Use a freezer-safe bag or container; consume within 1 month.
Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This method may make the shrimp less crispy.
- Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat in a skillet with a little oil until heated through. This helps retain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs instead of regular flour and breadcrumbs to make these tacos gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place coated shrimp on a baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
What sides pair well with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
These tacos go well with rice, beans, or a simple salad. You could also serve them with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal!
Are there variations of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Absolutely! You can customize these tacos by adding different sauces, like garlic aioli or avocado crema, or switch out toppings based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether it’s taco night or just a craving for something spicy and crispy, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Discover the ultimate fusion of flavors with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Perfect for seafood lovers, these tacos feature crispy, golden shrimp coated in a spicy bang bang sauce that adds a delightful kick. Ideal for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and highly customizable. With each bite, you’ll experience a satisfying crunch paired with creamy avocado and zesty lime. Impress your family and friends with these standout tacos that are sure to become a favorite!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour with spices for coating.
- Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour then dip back into buttermilk and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; fry shrimp until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side).
- Prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Assemble tacos with cabbage, fried shrimp, sauce, and avocado slices.
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: For gluten-free options, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. Bake instead of frying by placing coated shrimp on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes.
