Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference); 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 8 small flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh slaw—these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a quick and flavorful fusion dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. They come together in under 30 minutes and deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these tacos bring restaurant-style flavor straight to my kitchen without a ton of effort. The crispy shrimp pairs so well with the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, while the slaw and cilantro add freshness and crunch. This recipe is ideal for when I want something bold, comforting, and quick to make. It’s also easy to customize with toppings or heat levels, so it fits everyone’s taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp:

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup cornstarch

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Oil for frying

For the bang bang sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference)

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)

For the tacos:

8 small flour or corn tortillas

2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

I start by soaking the shrimp in buttermilk for 5–10 minutes while prepping everything else.

Then I mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl for dredging.

I heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

I remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, coat them in the flour mixture, and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Once cooked, I place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

To make the sauce, I whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl.

I toss the hot shrimp in the sauce until well coated.

Then I warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

I fill each tortilla with slaw, a few sauced shrimp, and top with chopped cilantro.

I serve them right away with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Each serving is approximately 420 kcal, making it a satisfying yet light option for lunch or dinner.

Variations

I sometimes use grilled shrimp instead of fried for a lighter version.

Swapping the shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower makes a great vegetarian option.

I like adding avocado slices or pickled onions for extra layers of flavor.

Using chipotle mayo instead of the bang bang sauce gives the tacos a smoky twist.

For more crunch, I occasionally add crushed tortilla chips on top.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. I reheat the shrimp in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, then toss again in a little fresh sauce before assembling the tacos. I don’t recommend microwaving the shrimp, as it makes them soggy.

Related Recipes:

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

FAQs

What is bang bang sauce made of?

I make bang bang sauce using mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey. It’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet—all in one.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

I prefer making the shrimp fresh for the best texture, but I can prep the sauce and slaw in advance. Reheating the shrimp in the oven helps keep them crispy if I need to make them earlier.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I often use frozen shrimp—just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating and frying.

Are these tacos very spicy?

They can be as spicy as I want. I usually start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and add more if I want extra heat.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

I usually serve them with Mexican street corn, black beans, or even a light cucumber salad. They’re also great with chips and guac.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a bold, flavorful fusion recipe that I can whip up quickly whenever I’m craving something spicy and satisfying. With crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings all wrapped in a soft tortilla, they’re a guaranteed hit at dinner—or even at my next get-together.

📖 Recipe: