You know those evenings when cooking feels less like a joy and more like a chore? I’ve been there, too—rushing home after a long day, staring blankly at my fridge, searching for inspiration. That’s when I discovered the irresistible magic of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. The first time I whipped them up, I was dumbfounded by the explosion of flavors! Sweet, spicy, and creamy all packed into crispy shells, these tacos transformed my weeknight routine from mundane to memorable.
In just 30 minutes, this recipe will have you creating a dish that could easily grace the menu of your favorite taco joint. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or need a quick family meal, these tacos are incredibly versatile, allowing for options like chicken, tofu, or even pork if shrimp isn’t your jam.
Let’s dive into making these delightful, gluten-free tacos that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet chili sauce, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of spice creates a taste experience you won’t forget!
Customizable: With options for protein swaps and various toppings, you can cater to everyone’s preferences.
Crispy Perfection: Achieve a delightful crunch with a cornstarch coating that locks in moisture, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last.
Gluten-Free: Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it suitable for different dietary needs.
Pair these tacos conveniently with a light salad or some homemade salsa for a complete meal that leaves everyone satisfied!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Shrimp – Peeled and deveined for ease and quick cooking.
• Lime Juice – Brightens the flavors; lemon juice works as a substitute if needed.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Cornstarch – Key for achieving that crispy coating when frying shrimp.
• Vegetable Oil – Choose a neutral oil for frying to get that golden finish.
For the Sauce
• Light Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy texture; Greek yogurt can lighten it further.
• Nonfat Greek Yogurt – Adds a tangy kick and keeps calories in check.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Provides the signature sweetness and depth to your Bang Bang sauce.
• Sriracha – Offers the heat factor; adjust this based on your spice level.
For the Tacos
• Shredded Cabbage Slaw – Adds a crunchy and fresh element; mix green and purple cabbage for color and flavor.
• Cilantro – Fresh herb garnish that elevates the aroma and taste.
• Green Onions – Introduces an oniony flavor that complements the shrimp.
• Corn Tortillas – The perfect backdrop for those fabulous flavors; warm them up for easy wrapping.
For Serving
• Lime (for serving) – A fresh squeeze offers an extra layer of juicy zest to your tacos.
Now you’re all set to create these delightful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
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Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Stir until smooth, adjusting flavors to your taste, creating a delectable sauce.
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Prepare Coleslaw: Toss the shredded cabbage with half of the bang bang sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Set it aside to develop flavor while you work on the shrimp.
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Coat Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel. Squeeze lime juice over them, then season with salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring they’re fully coated for that crispy finish.
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Cook Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the shrimp for 1-3 minutes on each side or choose to air fry them at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes—until golden and crispy.
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Toss Shrimp with Sauce: While still warm, toss the cooked shrimp with the remaining bang bang sauce, making sure each piece is generously coated for maximum flavor.
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Assemble Tacos: Take your warm corn tortillas and lay down a generous amount of the coated shrimp. Top with the cabbage slaw, cilantro, and chopped green onions. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for added zest!
Optional: Garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
These vibrant tacos deserve delicious companions that elevate your meal to extraordinary heights.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: Golden, crunchy wedges complement the tenderness of shrimp and add a delightful starchiness to the plate. They are perfect for dipping in leftover bang bang sauce!
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Fresh Mango Salsa: A sweet and zesty salsa enhances the flavor profile while adding a refreshing contrast to the spicy tacos. The chunks of diced mango just sing alongside the shrimp.
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Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro brings a fragrant and tangy flavor that balances well with the richness of the tacos. It’s an easy, comforting side that everyone loves.
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Grilled Vegetables: Add a colorful medley of bell peppers and zucchini for a smoky char and natural sweetness that pair beautifully with the shrimp. Grilling enhances their flavors and adds a warm, rustic appeal.
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Chili Lime Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of corn paired with chili and lime evokes a fun summer vibe, making it an irresistible side that enhances the taco experience.
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Lightly Spiced Black Beans: Protein-packed and mildly seasoned, they offer a creamy texture that balances the crispy elements of the dish, giving your meal a wholesome lift.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad tossed with a tangy dressing acts as a cooling complement to the heat of the bang bang shrimp, rounding out your meal splendidly.
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Classic Margaritas: Sip on these refreshing cocktails with hints of lime and salt; their zingy taste matches the fiesta vibes of your taco night.
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Coconut Flan: For dessert, this light and creamy treat ties in tropical notes that dance well after a spicy meal; it’s a sweet farewell to a delightful dinner!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Variations
Feel free to get creative with your tacos and discover exciting alternatives to make this dish uniquely yours!
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Chicken Delight: Swap shrimp for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, seasoning and cooking them just as you would the shrimp for a satisfying twist.
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Tofu Option: For a plant-based delight, use firm tofu, pressed and cubed, then marinated before frying or grilling. This adds a lovely texture while keeping it light!
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Pork Tenderloin: Substitute shrimp with thinly sliced pork tenderloin, seasoned similarly, for a savory variation that packs a punch.
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Cauliflower Crispy Tacos: Use roasted or air-fried cauliflower florets tossed in cornstarch for a crunchy, gluten-free vegetarian treat that’s just bursting with flavor.
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Spicy Twist: Add finely diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the sauce for a fiery kick. This little addition can turn up the heat significantly!
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Flavor Burst: Elevate your toppings with fresh mango salsa or creamy avocado for an incredible burst of sweetness and creaminess—perfect for balancing those spicy notes.
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Crispy Chow: Introduce shredded carrots or radishes into your slaw mix for extra crunch and nutrition, making your tacos irresistibly vibrant!
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Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil, adding a unique twist that refreshes the palate and invites new flavor profiles to your meal experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bang bang sauce and coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. For the shrimp, it’s best to coat and cook them right before serving to ensure they retain that delightful crunch. If you’d like to prep the shrimp and cornstarch mix, store it separately for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, just heat the oil, cook the shrimp, and assemble your tacos for restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Enjoy the time-saving magic this provides on busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Room Temperature: Enjoy your tacos fresh; they are best consumed immediately. If left out, they should not stay at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The tortillas are better kept at room temperature to maintain their texture.
Freezer: Although the shrimp can be frozen (without sauce) for up to 2 months, do not freeze the assembled tacos, as the texture will suffer.
Reheating: To reheat shrimp, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through without losing crispiness. Enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with your favorite fresh toppings!
Helpful Tricks for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
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Crispy Coating: Always ensure the shrimp are well-dusted with cornstarch. This prevents sogginess and guarantees that irresistible crunch when frying.
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Heat Management: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This allows shrimp to fry evenly and attain that golden crispiness.
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Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add garlic or onion powder to the bang bang sauce for an extra flavor boost. You can adjust the Sriracha for your desired spice level as well.
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Prepping Ahead: Make the bang bang sauce and coleslaw in advance. Pair this with cooking the shrimp just before serving to maintain that delightful crisp.
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Protein Substitutes: If shrimp isn’t your choice or you need to cater to different diets, chicken, tofu, or even pork work beautifully in this recipe. Customize according to your preference!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right shrimp for the recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for peeled and deveined options to save time. They should be firm and have a mild smell—avoid any that have dark spots or a strong odor, as these indicators can suggest they’re not fresh.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
You can store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the corn tortillas at room temperature. The slaw and shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, so avoid storing them together!
Can I freeze the shrimp for later use?
Definitely! To freeze shrimp, omit the sauce and place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
What if my shrimp is not turning out crispy?
Very! The key to crispiness is to ensure that the shrimp are well-coated in cornstarch and to avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. If frying results in soggy shrimp, try cooking in smaller batches and adjust the oil temperature to a medium-high heat.
Are there any dietary considerations for my guests?
Yes! For gluten-free options, make sure to use gluten-free corn tortillas and verify that your sauces do not contain gluten. If preparing for guests with seafood allergies, consider substituting the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower, which work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the Bang Bang sauce and coleslaw up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cook the shrimp right before serving to ensure a delightful crunch.
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – A Flavorful Twist You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Stir until smooth, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Toss the shredded cabbage with half of the bang bang sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry. Squeeze lime juice over them, season with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-3 minutes per side until golden, or air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Toss cooked shrimp with remaining bang bang sauce until coated.
- Assemble tacos with warm corn tortillas, shrimp, cabbage slaw, cilantro, and green onions. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.