If you love the crispy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang Shrimp at your favorite restaurant, then you’ll definitely enjoy these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at home! These tacos combine crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy and slightly sweet sauce with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing. A simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a relaxed meal with friends.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
For 4 servings, you will need:
- 450 g shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha (depending on your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Tacos:
- 8 mini tortillas (wheat or corn)
- 1 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. - Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the coating for the shrimp. - Fry the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to around 180°C (350°F). Dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. - Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your desired spice level. - Assemble the Tacos
Warm the mini tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Once warm, layer each tortilla with a small handful of red cabbage, some diced avocado, and a few crispy shrimp. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
FAQs
- Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
While the shrimp is best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. - Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood like fish fillets or scallops, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. - Can I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add more Sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat to your liking. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the batter. Make sure the tortillas are gluten-free as well.
Enjoy these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet!