There's nothing quite like the thrill of rustling up something new and delicious for dinner, especially when it can be on your table in under 30 minutes. My Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful culinary adventure that marries crispy, juicy shrimp with a creamy, zesty sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. These tacos aren’t just quick to prepare; they're also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match toppings to suit your cravings. Whether you're whipping them up for a busy weeknight meal or impressing friends at your next gathering, these tacos are the perfect blend of crunch and spice. Curious about how you can customize this dish to make it uniquely yours? Let’s dive in!
Why Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos So Special?
Irresistible flavor: The combination of crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce creates an explosion of taste that leaves you wanting more.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring you never compromise on quality for speed.
Customizable toppings: From fresh radishes to zesty jalapeños, the options for personalizing your tacos are endless.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress your friends at gatherings with these uniquely delicious tacos that cater to various palates.
Nutritional balance: Using fresh ingredients like cabbage and herbs adds a healthy crunch without sacrificing flavor.
Once you’ve tried these, you’ll be eager to explore other easy recipes like Mexican-style street corn salad to serve alongside!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Ingredients
• Get ready to savor every bite!
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp – The star of this dish should be fresh or fully thawed for the best texture.
- Buttermilk – Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the breading stick; milk with lemon juice works as a substitute.
- All-purpose flour – Creates a crispy coating; feel free to use gluten-free flour if desired.
- Cornstarch – Adds extra crunch to the coating.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the sauce; no substitutes here for optimal flavor.
- Chili garlic sauce – Infuses the sauce with heat and flavor; Sriracha is a great alternative if needed.
- Sriracha – Adjust this for your preferred spice level; it's the fiery twist in the sauce.
For Assembly
- Tortillas – Flour tortillas are traditional, but for a lighter option, try Bibb lettuce.
- Shredded cabbage – Adds a refreshing and crunchy texture to your tacos.
- Radishes – Offer a delightful peppery crunch as a topping.
- Jalapeños – Optional for an added kick in garnishes.
- Green onions & cilantro – Fresh herbs that brighten up each bite.
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only packed with flavor but also allow you to unleash your creativity with toppings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness if desired. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors of your delicious bang bang sauce to meld beautifully together.
Step 2: Soak the Shrimp
While the sauce chills, place 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and cover them with 1 cup of buttermilk. Let the shrimp soak for about 20 minutes to ensure they become tender and flavorful. This important step will help your shrimp retain moisture and enhance their delightful texture when cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper for your crispy coating. Stir well to combine the dry ingredients evenly. This mixture will create the irresistible crunch for your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos once fried, so take care to ensure it’s blended thoroughly.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
After soaking, drain the buttermilk from the shrimp and work in batches to coat each piece in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess after coating. Place the coated shrimp on a cooling rack, allowing them to rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This resting step enhances the adherence of the coating, ensuring each shrimp will be perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large, deep skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. Ensuring the right oil temperature is key for crispy shrimp without absorbing too much oil.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry the shrimp for 4 to 4.5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Toss with the Sauce
Once all the shrimp are fried, place them in a large mixing bowl and pour about 1 cup of your prepared bang bang sauce over them. Toss the shrimp gently until they are well coated in the creamy sauce. This final step will meld the spiciness of the sauce with the crunchy shrimp, creating a flavorful experience in every bite.
Step 8: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, take warmed tortillas and lay a generous portion of the crispy shrimp in the center. Top with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, and optional jalapeños for an extra kick. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and fresh cilantro for added flavor. Your vibrant and delicious tacos are now ready for serving!
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Temperature Check: Ensure the oil is at 350°F before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture on your shrimp. A cooking thermometer is your best friend!
- Resting Time: Letting your coated shrimp rest on a cooling rack before frying enhances the crunchiness. Don't skip this important step for the best results!
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature, preventing greasy shrimp. If too many go in at once, they can steam instead of fry.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to play with toppings, but balance textures; combining crunchy cabbage with creamy sauce creates a delightful contrast in your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
- Leftover Storage: To keep the shrimp crispy, store any leftovers separately from the sauce and reheat them in an oven to retain crunch. Consume within two days for best flavor!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Enhance your dinner experience with vibrant sides and drinks that perfectly complement the bold flavors of these mouthwatering tacos.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This tangy and creamy corn salad provides a refreshing contrast, adding sweetness and crunch to your meal.
- Cucumber Avocado Salsa: The coolness of cucumber and creamy avocado brings out the savoriness of the tacos, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- Zesty Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice offers a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the bang bang sauce.
- Chilled White Sangria: A fruity, chilled drink with hints of citrus refreshes the palate, harmonizing with the spicy shrimp for a perfect pairing.
- Mango Pineapple Smoothie: This refreshing smoothie adds a tropical twist, balancing out the spicy notes of your tacos while adding a burst of sweetness.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips with Guacamole: Perfect for snacking, the creamy guacamole and crunchy chips offer a satisfying dip before your meal starts.
- Spicy Black Bean Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup complements the tacos while adding depth to your dinner spread with a bold, spiced twist.
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End your meal on a sweet note with these cinnamon-sugar-coated treats, pairing wonderfully with a rich chocolate dip.
- Margaritas: A classic cocktail that amplifies the fiesta vibe while refreshing your taste buds in between taco bites.
- Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Juicy, caramelized pineapple skewers add a sweet touch to balance the savory shrimp, making every bite even more delightful.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Variations
Feel free to get creative! These tasty tacos can be customized to suit your preferences and cravings.
- Chicken Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken tenders for a hearty alternative, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Tofu Option: For a plant-based twist, use crispy tofu instead of shrimp, making it suitable for a vegan-friendly meal.
- Heat Scale Adjustment: Adjust the heat level of your bang bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha to suit your spice tolerance.
- Fruit Fun: Top with fresh mango or diced avocados for a refreshing burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with spice.
- Texture Play: Try adding crunchy toppings like crushed tortilla chips or fried onions for an exciting texture contrast.
- Wrap It Up: For a low-carb version, use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to create a fun and fresh wrap.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil alongside cilantro for an herbaceous pop in every bite.
- Sauce Variants: Mix in a touch of lime juice or honey into the bang bang sauce for a tangy or sweet twist that elevates the flavor profile.
These variations aren’t just practical; they allow you to explore vibrant flavor combinations that make every meal special. If you're looking for more easy sides to complement your meal, try serving these with a delicious cucumber avocado salsa or a flavorful Mexican-style street corn salad for a full dining experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are ideal for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 3 days in advance; just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, soak the shrimp in buttermilk up to 24 hours beforehand to enhance tenderness. However, it's best to coat and fry the shrimp fresh for optimal crispiness. When you're ready to serve your tacos, fry the coated shrimp for that perfect crunch, and assemble with your favorite toppings for an effortlessly delicious dinner experience!
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp from getting soggy, preserving their crispy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the frozen shrimp in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Assembly Tip: When ready to enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, assemble them fresh to maintain crunchiness in the tortillas and toppings!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
I recommend using fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If you're using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and that juicy bite you crave.
How should I store leftovers from my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Store any leftover shrimp and bang bang sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the shrimp will lose some of their crispness. To avoid sogginess, avoid combining shrimp and sauce until you're ready to eat.
Can I freeze the shrimp for later use?
Absolutely! For freezing, lay the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until they're heated through and crispy again.
What if my shrimp aren’t crispy? How can I fix that?
If your shrimp aren’t coming out crispy, make sure your oil is hot enough—around 350°F. This is essential for frying! Also, after coating, let the shrimp rest on a rack to help the batter adhere better and promote crispiness during frying. Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this can cause the temperature to drop and result in less crispy shrimp.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Great question! These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, if you're looking for a lighter option, swap out the tortillas for Bibb lettuce wraps. Just keep in mind if you're serving these to others, always check for allergies related to shellfish or potential spice intolerance!
How can I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
The beauty of these tacos lies in their versatility! You could swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or any protein of your choice. Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to match your heat preference, or add in toppings like diced avocado or mango for a sweet contrast. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors to make them uniquely yours!
Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos You'll Crave Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak the shrimp in 1 cup of buttermilk for about 20 minutes.
- Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat each shrimp in the flour mixture and let rest for 5-10 minutes on a cooling rack.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 4 to 4.5 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Toss the fried shrimp with the prepared bang bang sauce.
- Assemble tacos with tortillas, shrimp, cabbage, radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro.
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