Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound medium raw shrimp (thawed, deveined, tails and shell removed); ½ cup flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup panko bread crumbs; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; ½ teaspoon sriracha (more to taste); 10 corn tortillas; 2 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 large tomato (diced)

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If you love bold, spicy flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla, you are going to absolutely adore these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. This dish perfectly blends crispy, flavorful shrimp with a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that excites your taste buds from the very first bite. The combination of crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro, and juicy tomatoes lifts the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos to a whole new level of deliciousness that’s irresistible for lunch, dinner, or any casual gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos plays a vital role, contributing to the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so special. The shrimp are the star, coated and air-fried for crunch, while the sauce adds a lively kick that ties everything together.

Medium raw shrimp, 1 pound: Deveined and peeled for quick cooking and the perfect bite-sized protein.
Flour, ½ cup: Helps the coating stick to the shrimp while providing a light base.
Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons: Adds extra crispiness to the shrimp coating.
Onion powder, 1 teaspoon: Brings subtle savory notes to the breading mix.
Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Infuses an essential aromatic depth to the shrimp crust.
Salt, 1 teaspoon: Seasoning that enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Large eggs, 2 beaten: Acts as the binding agent for the breading layers.
Panko bread crumbs, 1 cup: Provides a light, crunchy texture critical to the shrimp’s appeal.
Mayonnaise, ½ cup: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
Thai sweet chili sauce, ¼ cup: Adds sweetness and a mild heat to the sauce.
Sriracha, ½ teaspoon (or more): Gives a spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
Corn tortillas, 10: Soft and warm, perfect for holding all the fillings together.
Purple cabbage, 2 cups thinly sliced: Adds crunch and vibrant color for freshness.
Cilantro, ¼ cup chopped: Brings a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Large tomato, diced: Offers juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp coating mixtures

Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow dish. This mixture will provide the flavorful foundation your shrimp need for that perfect crunch. Next, place the beaten eggs in a second dish and the panko bread crumbs in a third—this three-step dredging sets the stage for a wonderfully crispy texture.

Step 2: Coat the shrimp

Take your shrimp one at a time, dipping them first into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally pressing them firmly into the panko crumbs. This careful coating ensures every bite of shrimp is covered in a crispy crust that will crisp up beautifully when cooked.

Step 3: Air fry the shrimp

Place the coated shrimp in an oiled air fryer basket, spritz liberally with oil spray for extra crispness. Air fry them at 385 degrees for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through so they cook evenly and maintain that irresistible crunch without excess oil.

Step 4: Whisk up the bang bang sauce

While the shrimp cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until perfectly smooth. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you want to take your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos up a notch in spiciness. This sauce is the magic that brings everything together with creamy, sweet, and spicy notes.

Step 5: Toss shrimp with sauce and assemble tacos

Once the shrimp is done, toss half of it in the sauce to coat every crispy bit in flavor. Warm your tortillas over an open flame or skillet to make them pliable. Then, build your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos by layering cabbage, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and saucy shrimp before drizzling extra bang bang sauce on top for that final burst of flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

Adding garnishes boosts both the taste and visual appeal of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes add brightness and color, while extra cabbage adds needed crunch. Consider a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that refreshing finish.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos pair beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think simple Mexican street corn, a zesty black bean salad, or even crispy sweet potato fries. These sides complement the dish without overpowering the bold flavors of the shrimp and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, serve these tacos on a long platter with lime wedges and small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. You can also try adding avocado slices or pickled red onions for an exciting twist that adds creaminess or tang. The options for customizing these tacos are endless and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, keep the shrimp, sauce, and taco components separate to maintain freshness. Store shrimp and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. The cabbage and tomatoes are best kept refrigerated wrapped loosely in paper towels to stay crisp.

Freezing

While shrimp coated in panko aren’t ideal for freezing because they lose crunch, you can freeze the cooked shrimp without sauce by laying them flat in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to retain the best texture. The sauce and fresh toppings are not freezer-friendly and are better made fresh.

Reheating

To reheat your Bang Bang Shrimp, gently warm them in the air fryer or oven to revive the crisp coating. Avoid microwaving or the shrimp will get soggy. Warm the tortillas separately on a skillet or flame to keep them soft and pliable.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the shrimp before breading. This helps the coating stick better and ensures even cooking for crispy, flavorful tacos.

Is it necessary to air fry the shrimp?

Air frying is a healthier way to get that crispy texture without deep frying. However, you can also pan-fry the shrimp in a shallow layer of oil if you prefer traditional frying.

What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, you can mix honey and chili garlic sauce to mimic the balance of sweet and spicy in the bang bang sauce.

How spicy are these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The level of spice is adjustable—the sriracha can be increased or decreased according to your heat preference, making this dish perfect for both mild and spicy lovers.

Can I make the bang bang sauce vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative and use a plant-based chili sauce to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful without animal products.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Every time I prepare these, they get rave reviews, and I know they’ll bring the same joy to your table. Whether you’re cooking for friends or a cozy night in, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 10 tacos 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, spicy shrimp with a creamy, tangy sauce and fresh, crunchy vegetables all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, these tacos bring a delightful balance of textures and tastes to your table with an easy air fryer method for perfectly cooked shrimp.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp Coating Mix: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. This mix will provide a crispy and flavorful coating for the shrimp.
Set Up Dipping Stations: Pour the beaten eggs into a second dish and place the panko bread crumbs in a third dish. This three-step dipping process ensures an even and crunchy coating.
Coat each Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally press it into the panko bread crumbs to fully coat the shrimp for a crispy finish.
Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in an oiled air fryer basket and spritz them generously with oil spray for golden crispiness. Air fry at 385°F (196°C) for 10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha quantity to your preferred spice level.
Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Once cooked, toss the shrimp gently with half of the bang bang sauce to coat them evenly, reserving the remaining sauce for serving.
Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas over an open flame or on a large skillet until they are warm, soft, and pliable for easy folding.
Assemble the Tacos: Layer each tortilla with the coated shrimp, shredded purple cabbage, chopped cilantro, and diced tomato. Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the top as desired for an extra kick.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately while the shrimp is warm and crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute shrimp with chicken strips for a different protein option.
For extra heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use flour or gluten-free tortillas as alternatives to corn tortillas if preferred.
Air fryer times may vary depending on your appliance; check shrimp for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Leftover bang bang sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used as a dip or spread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Tacos
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American Fusion