The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Taco is a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos. Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce are tucked into soft tortillas and topped with fresh, crunchy slaw. The mix of spicy, tangy, and crunchy textures makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
I love making these tacos when I want something a little special but still quick and easy to throw together. The shrimp get perfectly crispy without being greasy, and the bang bang sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors. It’s one of those recipes that everyone seems to ask for again and again at our gatherings.
My favorite way to serve these is with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. It brightens up the whole dish and adds a fresh note that balances the creamy sauce. Plus, they’re perfect for a casual dinner or as a fun party snack—tacos always bring people together in a happy, relaxed way!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great here for a nice bite-size piece, but you can use large shrimp cut into chunks if you prefer. Fresh or frozen both work – just thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work but the texture won’t be quite as crunchy.
Buttermilk: It helps the coating stick and adds a bit of tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit 5 minutes.
Bang bang sauce: Mayo and sweet chili sauce are key for that creamy, sweet heat combo. Sriracha’s your spicy punch but adjust the amount to your heat level. For a dairy-free option, try vegan mayo.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas both taste great here. Warm them well so they’re soft and won’t break when folded.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Shrimp Without Sogginess?
Crispy shrimp make or break this dish. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch every time:
- Pat the shrimp dry well before dipping in buttermilk to avoid soggy coating.
- Press the shrimp firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating sticks evenly.
- Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). Too low and shrimp absorb oil; too hot and coating burns.
- Fry in small batches so shrimp don’t crowd the pan and oil temperature stays steady.
- Drain cooked shrimp on paper towels to soak up excess oil right away.
Following these tips keeps your shrimp crispy and light, perfect with the creamy bang bang sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – perfect for shallow frying shrimp evenly and safely.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need these to prep the coating and mix the bang bang sauce.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – makes flipping and removing shrimp easy without breaking the crust.
- Paper towels – essential for draining the shrimp to keep them crispy.
- Small whisk or fork – to blend the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Stovetop or microwave-safe plate – to warm tortillas quickly before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for battered fish or crispy tofu to make a tasty alternative that’s great for different diets.
- Add shredded carrot or sliced avocado to your tacos for a fresh crunch or creamy texture.
- Use chipotle mayo instead of sweet chili sauce for a smoky, spicier bang bang twist.
- Top with pickled jalapeños for extra heat and tang when you want a bold flavor punch.
The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tsp sriracha, adjust heat to your taste
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation and cooking time. The shrimp fry quickly, and the sauce comes together in just a few minutes, making this a fast and fun meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust spicy or sweetness to your liking. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Pour the buttermilk into a medium bowl and soak the shrimp in it — this helps the coating stick and adds flavor.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then press each shrimp firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, until it’s around 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Briefly warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave, making them soft and flexible for easy folding.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
On each tortilla, place a small handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage. Top with the crispy shrimp and add thin slices of radish. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top, and finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for bright, zesty bites. Dive in and enjoy your crispy, creamy, and spicy creation!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly before dipping in buttermilk to ensure the coating sticks well.
Can I Bake Instead of Fry the Shrimp?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated shrimp on a greased baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy, and add fresh toppings when ready to serve again.
What Are Some Good Tortilla Alternatives?
If you prefer, you can use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or crispy taco shells for extra crunch. Both pair wonderfully with the creamy, spicy shrimp.
