Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion! With a crispy batter, creamy bang bang sauce, and fresh slaw, these tacos are sure to impress friends and family. They work wonderfully as a main dish or can be served as appetizers at your next gathering. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce takes these tacos to the next level.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these tacos in under an hour!
• Versatile Dish: Great for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests. Serve them as tacos or on a platter for sharing.
• Crispy Texture: The fried shrimp adds a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the fresh slaw.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos seamlessly, gather the right tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Heavy-duty frying pan
• Candy thermometer
• Whisk
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining coleslaw ingredients without making a mess.
• Candy thermometer: Ensures your oil is at the perfect temperature for frying shrimp, preventing soggy results.
• Heavy-duty frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for consistent cooking of the shrimp.

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage (mix of green and purple)
• 3 scallions (thinly sliced diagonally)
• ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ¾ cup kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (recommend Mae Ploy brand)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha (or to taste)

For the Shrimp Tacos

• 1 pound jumbo or extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 to 2 cups cornstarch (for dredging)
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill about 2 inches deep in pan)
• 12 soft flour tortillas (taco-sized)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Coleslaw Topping

In a large bowl, combine all slaw ingredients including cabbage, scallions, cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Toss well until everything is evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together kewpie mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Season them with ½ teaspoon Kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Toss the shrimp in buttermilk until coated evenly. Set aside.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

In a heavy-duty pan, heat vegetable oil until it reaches between 350°F and 365°F. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.

Step 5: Dredge the Shrimp

As the oil heats up, toss each buttermilk-coated shrimp in cornstarch individually. Ensure they are well-coated by pressing gently so that cornstarch sticks effectively.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add shrimp to hot oil in batches; fry for about 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.

Step 7: Combine Shrimp with Sauce

Toss fried shrimp in half or two-thirds of your prepared bang bang sauce while still warm. Reserve remaining sauce for serving later.

Step 8: Assemble Your Tacos

Take each warm flour tortilla and place about two pieces of fried bang bang shrimp on it. Top generously with coleslaw mix. Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra bang bang sauce drizzled on top! Enjoy these fantastic Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your taco experience.

Casual Dinner Night

• Serve the tacos alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Add some lime wedges on the side for extra zestiness.

Taco Bar Setup

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings so guests can customize their tacos.
• Include additional sauces like guacamole or spicy salsa for variety.

Appetizer Platter

• Cut the tacos into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
• Pair with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.

Picnic Treats

• Pack the tacos in wraps, making them perfect for outdoor picnics.
• Include portable sides like chips or fruit cups for a complete meal.

Game Day Snack

• Serve the tacos as finger food during game days for easy munching.
• Pair with cold beverages and crunchy snacks to enhance the festive vibe.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Perfecting your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure every bite is delicious.

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp to enhance flavor and texture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350-365°F for crispy shrimp without excess grease.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and achieve even cooking.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce based on your heat preference.
• Warm Tortillas: Lightly warm flour tortillas before filling to improve texture and flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy tacos right after assembly for maximum crispiness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Complement your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with these delicious side dishes. Each option pairs well, enhancing your meal experience.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with lime, cheese, and chili powder adds sweetness and spice.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides a rich contrast to spicy shrimp, perfect for scooping with tortilla chips.
3. Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity that balances out the richness of the tacos.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro offers a refreshing side that complements seafood.
5. Black Bean Salad: A hearty mix of black beans, corn, and peppers gives protein and texture while remaining light.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, sweet potato fries add a sweet note that pairs well with savory flavors.
7. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make an excellent appetizer before indulging in tacos.
8. Mango Salsa: Sweet mango mixed with onion, jalapeño, and cilantro brings tropical flair that enhances flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the coleslaw: The coleslaw adds crunch and freshness. Don’t skip it; it balances the flavors and textures in the tacos.
• Under-seasoning shrimp: The shrimp can be bland if not seasoned properly. Always season with salt and pepper before frying to enhance the flavor.
• Not monitoring oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the shrimp can burn; too cold, and they will absorb excess oil. Use a thermometer to keep it between 350-365°F.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature significantly. Cook in batches for perfectly crispy shrimp.
• Using stale tortillas: Fresh tortillas make a big difference in taste and texture. Always use freshly warmed tortillas for serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep fried shrimp separate from tortillas and slaw to maintain crispness.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Freeze fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Avoid freezing assembled tacos as they may become soggy.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake shrimp on a baking sheet until heated through, about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm. This method may soften tortillas.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

What are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are tacos filled with crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, topped with fresh coleslaw.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before seasoning and frying.

How do I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

You can customize your tacos by adding toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or switching out the slaw for other veggies like carrots or radishes.

Are there any alternatives to mayonnaise in the sauce?

Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier option while maintaining creaminess.

How long does it take to prepare these tacos?

The total preparation time is approximately 45 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether as a main dish or appetizers. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level according to your taste.