Bang Bang Taco

Bang Bang Tacos bring bold flavor and crunchy texture together in one irresistible dish. Juicy shrimp are battered, deep-fried until golden, and then tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Piled high on soft tortillas with fresh slaw and garnishes, these tacos are perfect for taco night, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden shrimp every time

• Homemade 4-ingredient Bang Bang sauce

• Easy to prep and fry in just minutes

• Customizable with toppings like slaw and green onions

• Versatile: serve in tacos or enjoy as an appetizer

• Family favorite with restaurant-quality flavor

• Can be baked or air fried for a lighter version

• Ideal for casual entertaining or meal prep

• Not too spicy—just enough kick

• Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon sriracha

• ¾ cup buttermilk

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 pound raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup panko crumbs

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2–3 cups vegetable oil, for frying

• Tortillas, for serving

• Slaw, for serving

• Green onion, optional garnish

Directions

1. Make the Bang Bang sauce:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha. Set aside.

2. Prepare the batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, and cornstarch until smooth.

3. Coat the shrimp:
   Add the shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and stir until all are evenly coated.

4. Make the breading:
   In a separate bowl, combine the panko crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Heat the oil:
   Add enough vegetable oil to a heavy-bottomed pan to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat to 375°F using a kitchen thermometer if possible.

6. Bread and fry the shrimp:
   Remove shrimp from the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the panko mixture and gently place in the hot oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, working in small batches.

7. Drain and toss in sauce:
   Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate. While still warm, toss the shrimp in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until coated.

8. Assemble tacos:
   Fill tortillas with slaw, top with Bang Bang shrimp, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add more sriracha to the sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the panko.

• Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 9 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Oven-baked: Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F for 15 minutes.

• Grilled option: Marinate shrimp in the sauce and grill until just cooked through.

• Different protein: Substitute chicken tenders, tofu, or cauliflower for the shrimp.

• Toppings: Add avocado, pickled onions, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of lime crema.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze fried (unsauced) shrimp in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on a wire rack in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy (about 10 minutes). Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I bake these shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for about 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Use raw medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Tail-off is preferred for tacos.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from sriracha, but it’s not overly spicy. Add more sriracha for extra heat.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko is preferred for its crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs may not give the same crunch.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

Greek yogurt or sour cream are great substitutes if you want a lighter or tangier flavor.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Not directly, but you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 2¼ teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes.

How far in advance can I prep this recipe?

You can make the sauce and prep the coating up to a day ahead. Fry the shrimp fresh for best results.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas hold up best, but corn tortillas also work well if warmed first.

Can I serve these as an appetizer instead of tacos?

Definitely! Serve the Bang Bang shrimp on a platter with toothpicks and a side of extra sauce.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos deliver irresistible crunch and bold flavor in every bite. The creamy-spicy sauce and crispy coating turn simple shrimp into an unforgettable dish. Whether served in warm tortillas with slaw or on their own as a starter, this recipe is sure to be a hit for dinner, parties, or taco night.

Print