Crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic shrimp taco. The crispy shrimp are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, creating the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Serve with fresh toppings like cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a mouthwatering meal!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos (or 12 smaller tacos)
Ingredients:
For the Bang Bang Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 tsp Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste)
For the Tacos:
- 8–12 small white corn tortillas or hard taco shells
- 3 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Shrimp:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha for the sauce. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour this marinade over the shrimp, tossing to coat. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the oil.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, tapping off any excess. Arrange them on a platter.
2. Fry the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a pot or Dutch oven to 375°F. Fry shrimp in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Once all shrimp are cooked, drizzle half of the Bang Bang sauce over the warm shrimp. Toss gently to coat, then let rest for 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
- Lightly toast the corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet for 30 seconds per side or char them over a gas flame for extra flavor.
- Layer the tacos with shredded cabbage, diced tomato, and cilantro.
- Place 2-3 shrimp in each taco and drizzle with the remaining sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest!
Notes:
- The nutrition label is an estimate, as oil absorption during frying can vary.
- Serve with extra lime wedges for added freshness and flavor!
Nutrition per Serving (1 Taco):
- Calories: 362 kcal
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 21g
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