Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring together crispy shrimp tossed in creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, layered with fresh slaw and bold toppings inside warm tortillas for an explosion of flavor in every bite. This fusion dish combines restaurant-quality taste with homemade simplicity, offering endless customization and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce optional, for extra heat
For the Shrimp:
- 1 1/2 pounds of extra-large shrimp 26–30 count, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of buttermilk for marinating
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups of vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- 10 small flour tortillas warmed (or substitute with Bibb lettuce leaves for a low-carb option)
- 8 ounces of shredded cabbage approximately 3 cups
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Thinly sliced jalapeño peppers
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and Sriracha until fully combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days, until you're ready to use it.
Prepare the Breading Station:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper to create the breading mixture.
Place a cooling rack over a sheet pan to hold the breaded shrimp before frying—this setup allows the coating to set and become crispier when fried.
Prepare a draining area by lining a separate sheet pan with paper towels, or, if available, place another cooling rack over the sheet pan to drain the cooked shrimp more efficiently.
Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep the shrimp warm between batches.
Bread the Shrimp:
Once the oil is heating, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk. Working in batches, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure they are well-coated. Shake off any excess and place them on the prepared cooling rack to rest while the oil heats up. This helps dry the coating and results in a crispier fry.
Heat the Oil:
Add vegetable oil to a deep, heavy-bottomed pot such as a Dutch oven, and insert a thermometer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. This process typically takes about 20 minutes.
Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully add a handful of shrimp to the hot oil. After about a minute, use a slotted spoon to gently stir and separate the shrimp to prevent clumping. Fry each batch for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
Keep the Shrimp Warm and Continue Frying:
Assemble the Tacos:
To build the tacos, layer each warmed tortilla with a small handful of shredded cabbage. Add several pieces of the sauced shrimp on top, followed by an extra drizzle of sauce if desired. Garnish with thinly sliced radishes, jalapeño slices, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Serve the tacos immediately for the best flavor and texture.