Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Tasty Easy Recipe

 

Ah, the allure of tacos! They’re like little packages of happiness, aren’t they? I remember the first time I tried bang bang shrimp at a local restaurant. The crunch of perfectly fried shrimp, slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce, was a transformative experience. It danced on my palate and sparked a delightful fire in my belly. From that day forward, I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, and thus, my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos were born! They reflect the heat of summer nights and the cozy vibes of casual get-togethers with friends.

These tacos are not only a feast for the eyes with their vibrant colors but also a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Imagine succulent shrimp, crispy and golden, wrapped snugly in tortillas, all drizzled with that creamy bang bang sauce—it’s an explosion of flavor and texture that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re hosting taco night or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly – shrimp can be cheaper if bought frozen!
• Perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crispy – total flavor explosion.
• You can customize it with your favorite toppings, which makes it super fun!
• Great for meal prep – just make the shrimp and sauce ahead of time!

Ingredients

Before we get to cooking, let’s gather everything we need:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined; fresh or frozen work)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 4-6 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (for crunch!)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Cilantro for garnish (optional, but oh-so-good!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything, let’s dive into making these mouth-watering tacos:

1. Prep the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them get crispy!
2. Soak the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also makes them super tender.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This will create a beautiful coating – trust me!
4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if it’s hot enough by dropping in a little batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
5. Batter the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Toss them in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying.
6. Fry the shrimp: Gently place the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more if you like it spicy). Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the tacos: Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds on each side. Then, add a layer of shredded cabbage, top it off with the crispy shrimp, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and finish it with avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Pro Tips & Variations

Switching things up is part of the fun! Here are a few playful ideas to put your stamp on these tacos:

• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or minced jalapeño to the bang bang sauce for an extra kick!
• Swap proteins: Try this recipe with crispy tofu or your favorite fish for a seafood twist.
• Add crunch: Toss in some pickled red onions or radishes for a tangy crunch that complements the richness of the shrimp.
• Make it a salad: Go low-carb by turning this into a bang bang shrimp salad, serving everything on a bed of greens!

Serving Suggestions

How do I like to serve these tacos? Picture this – a cozy dinner setup with a side of zesty lime wedges and maybe a refreshing margarita to wash it all down. You could even whip up a simple side of cilantro-lime rice or black beans if you want to amp up the feast. And if you’re feeling super indulgent, a small bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole would be a delectable addition.

For a touch of festive spirit, serve these tacos at a gathering. They make perfect finger food, and trust me, your friends will be raving about them long after the last bite!

Storage Tips

If by some miracle you have leftovers (which happens pretty rarely in our house), here’s how to store them without losing that fabulous flavor:

• Refrigerate: Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best quality, store the bang bang sauce separately to keep the shrimp crispy.
• Freeze: Freeze the shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw and reheat!
• Reheat: To reheat, pop the shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can be budget-friendly and just as delicious when cooked properly!

What if I want to make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or use cornstarch on its own. Just make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well!

Can I make the bang bang sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Letting it sit allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What kind of tortillas work best for these tacos?

Flour tortillas are soft and lovely, but corn tortillas offer a nice, authentic crunch. Choose what you enjoy most!

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

You certainly can! Toss the coated shrimp with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for around 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They might not be as crispy, but they’ll still be tasty!

Conclusion

So there you have it, my friend – a delightful journey to crispy, creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that’ll steal the show at any meal! I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do, and I can’t wait to hear how your own taco night goes. Don’t forget to share your creations and any fun twists you’ve added. Happy cooking, and let the taco magic happen!