Description
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, fried shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce with fresh shredded cabbage and avocado slices, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal with a delightful mix of textures and a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Soak the Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Seasoned Flour: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip floured shrimp back into the buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust spiciness to preference.
- Assemble Tacos: Place shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with fried shrimp, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and add avocado slices.
- Serve: Serve tacos with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.
Notes
- Soaking shrimp in buttermilk helps tenderize and keep them juicy when fried.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crispy coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- You can adjust the heat level of the bang bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha.
- For a healthier option, consider air frying the shrimp instead of frying.
- Use fresh lime wedges for an added bright citrus flavor that balances the spice.
- Ensure oil temperature is hot enough to avoid greasy shrimp; use a thermometer if possible (around 350°F / 175°C).
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp Tacos, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, Crispy Shrimp, Mexican-American Fusion
