Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

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I still remember the first time I made these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. The sauce was a little too spicy, the shrimp slightly overdone, but the flavor? Oh, it was unforgettable. Since then, I’ve refined the recipe to perfection. Now, every bite bursts with sweet heat, creamy crunch, and that irresistible fresh contrast from crisp toppings and warm tortillas.

These tacos are my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent yet effortless. I often make them for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, and there’s never a single shrimp left. What I love most is how easily they come together while delivering restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes.

The secret is all in the Bang Bang sauce. Creamy, spicy, and tangy, it coats the crispy shrimp like a flavor blanket, then gets balanced with a touch of cool slaw, fresh herbs, and a warm tortilla. It’s the kind of recipe that convinces people you’re a taco genius.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These tacos are a flavor explosion — crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, balanced by fresh, crunchy cabbage slaw and soft, pillowy tortillas. They’re quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just someone who appreciates bold flavors, this dish delivers it all: heat, crunch, and creaminess in perfect harmony.

Ingredients

Shrimp: You want medium or large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp cook quickly and carry the Bang Bang flavor beautifully. They’re the heart of this dish.

Cornstarch: This is essential for creating that crisp coating on the shrimp without the heaviness of batter. It gives the shrimp a light, crispy shell that soaks in the sauce just right.

Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce. It mellows the heat and helps the flavors cling to the shrimp.

Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness, a bit of garlic, and just enough tang to the sauce. It’s the signature element that makes Bang Bang what it is.

Sriracha: This spicy addition gives the Bang Bang sauce its heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your tacos.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle zing to the sauce and balances out the richness of the mayo.

Garlic Powder: Lends a savory kick that brings depth to the shrimp’s seasoning.

Tortillas: Choose soft flour or corn tortillas depending on your texture preference. They hold everything together and should be warm and flexible.

Cabbage Slaw: Shredded green and purple cabbage add crunch and freshness that contrast the creamy shrimp.

Green Onions and Cilantro: These toppings add brightness and herbal freshness to balance the bold flavors.

Lime Wedges: A final squeeze of lime wakes up all the flavors and adds a citrusy pop.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat if needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until well coated. This helps create a crispy crust when frying.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp in batches, about 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Toss in Sauce

While the shrimp are still warm, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas and fill each with a handful of cabbage slaw. Add a generous spoonful of saucy shrimp, then top with green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily swap out the shrimp with crispy tofu for a vegetarian version that still delivers that Bang Bang flavor hit. If you’re not a fan of frying, try baking or air frying the shrimp for a lighter option that still gives you crunch. For the slaw, feel free to use prepackaged coleslaw mix to save time, or even shredded lettuce in a pinch.

Not into mayo? You can use plain Greek yogurt in the sauce for a tangier, protein-packed alternative. Sriracha can be replaced with hot sauce or chili garlic sauce based on your heat tolerance. And if you love more texture, toss in some chopped peanuts or crispy shallots before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect on their own, but I love serving them with a side of elote-style corn or a chilled mango salsa. A crunchy cucumber salad or a quick lime rice pairs wonderfully too. For drinks, go with a light cerveza, sparkling water with lime, or even a chilled glass of white wine for a refreshing contrast to the heat.

They also work great as sliders or lettuce wraps if you’re going low-carb or hosting a party. The shrimp are so flavorful they can even top a rice bowl or be served with noodles.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately from the slaw and tortillas. This keeps everything from getting soggy. The shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

To reheat, pop the shrimp into an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crunch. Reassemble your tacos just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha, but you can control it by adding more or less to the sauce. Want it milder? Use a little extra mayo or add honey to soften the heat.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in advance?

You can prepare the sauce and slaw ahead of time and cook the shrimp just before serving. This keeps the texture fresh and crispy.

What kind of shrimp works best for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Medium to large raw shrimp are ideal. They cook fast, have a juicy bite, and hold up well to the sauce.

Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and make sure your sauces are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Yes! Just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before coating them in cornstarch. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.

Related Recipes You’ll Like

If you’re into bold, saucy shrimp dishes, you’ll love my Easy Creamy Polenta Shrimp Recipe which features velvety polenta paired with rich shrimp in a savory sauce. For something smoky and tropical, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is another hit, combining charred edges with juicy, pineapple-glazed flavors. And if you prefer tacos with a beefy twist, the Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas are a one-pan dinner dream.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Pin these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos to your favorite Pinterest board so you always have them ready for Taco Tuesday or a spontaneous seafood night. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—email it, text it, or post it on your socials. Trust me, they’ll thank you later!

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