Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try! are an exciting twist on traditional tacos, combining crispy fried shrimp with a spicy bang bang sauce. These tacos are perfect for taco night or any casual gathering. The balance of flavor and texture makes them a standout choice for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – With a total time of just 45 minutes, these tacos come together quickly for a last-minute meal.
• Flavorsome Sauce – The bang bang sauce adds a delightful kick that elevates the dish to new heights.
• Versatile Toppings – Customize your tacos with fresh toppings like avocado and cabbage to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, these tacos are sure to impress.
• Crispy Texture – The panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet – A spacious skillet ensures even cooking of the shrimp without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls – Having multiple bowls helps in organizing ingredients for dipping and coating.
• Whisk – Useful for blending sauces smoothly, especially when mixing the bang bang sauce.

Ingredients

To prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 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

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

For Assembly

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Step 1: Soak the Shrimp

In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize and infuse flavor into the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give your shrimp an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from buttermilk. Allow excess to drip off before dredging each shrimp in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 4: Coat with Panko

Dip each floured shrimp back into buttermilk briefly before coating with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure they stick well.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through—about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust heat level according to your preference.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

To assemble each taco, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla. Top with fried shrimp, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and add avocado slices on top.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over just before eating. Enjoy every spicy bite!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Serving Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is all about enhancing the delicious flavors while making them visually appealing. Here are some great serving suggestions that will elevate your taco night experience.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos for a bright and zesty flavor that complements the spicy bang bang sauce.

Avocado Slices

• Add creamy avocado slices on top of the shrimp for a rich texture and added nutrition.

Shredded Cabbage

• Use a generous handful of shredded cabbage as a crunchy base, adding freshness and color to your tacos.

Extra Bang Bang Sauce

• Serve additional bang bang sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick in their tacos.

Cilantro Garnish

• Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the assembled tacos for a burst of herbal flavor that pairs well with seafood.

Hot Sauce Selection

• Provide a variety of hot sauces for guests to customize the heat level according to their preferences.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Perfecting your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos ensures each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve taco perfection.

• Choose Quality Shrimp: Select large, fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture. Frozen shrimp works too; just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.

• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk not only tenderizes them but also helps the batter stick better during frying.

• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying by testing with a small piece of shrimp—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!

• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking; overcrowding can lead to soggy shrimp.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading or sriracha in the sauce based on your heat preference.

• Warm Tortillas: Lightly warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave before filling them. This makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

Pair your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with these delightful side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Each option adds its unique flair to your taco night.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad combining corn, lime, cilantro, and spices; perfect as a cool complement.

2. Black Bean Soup: Hearty and flavorful, this soup is rich in protein and pairs beautifully with spicy tacos.

3. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips adds an extra layer of yumminess.

4. Cilantro-Lime Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime zest provides a delicious base or side dish.

5. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness and crunch alongside your tacos.

6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can add colorful nutrition to your meal while balancing flavors.

7. Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries tossed in chili powder enhance any meal’s flavor profile with their sweet and spicy notes.

8. Chilled Avocado Soup: A creamy soup that’s refreshing; it can be served cold and offers a nice contrast to warm tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you perfect your recipe.

• Not soaking the shrimp: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Skipping this step may result in less juicy shrimp.

• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy tacos. Fry in batches for the best texture.

• Ignoring seasoning: Ensure you season both the flour and the bang bang sauce. Inadequate seasoning can lead to bland tacos.

• Using stale breadcrumbs: Fresh panko breadcrumbs give a crispier texture. Check your pantry before starting; stale breadcrumbs won’t yield great results.

• Serving without toppings: Toppings like shredded cabbage and avocado add freshness and balance. Don’t skip them; they are essential for delicious tacos.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 1 month; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Tasty Recipe You Must Try!

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed but be cautious as this may make them soggy.

• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that might help you out:

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes! Chicken, turkey, or even vegetables can be substituted while maintaining a similar cooking method.

How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors!

What type of tortillas should I use?

Flour tortillas are traditional, but corn tortillas can also work well if you prefer gluten-free options.

Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using.

How do I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, or different types of sauces based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different proteins or toppings to fit your personal taste. Whether it’s taco night or just a craving for something flavorful, these tacos will surely impress everyone at your table. Give them a try today!