Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

The Ultimate Crispy, Creamy, Spicy Taco Night Recipe!

If you’re craving a meal that brings the perfect balance of spicy heat, creamy richness, and crunchy satisfaction — Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are about to become your new obsession. This dish takes everything we love about classic crispy shrimp and elevates it with zesty Bang Bang sauce, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas that make every bite irresistible.

These tacos are quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining. And whether you’re a taco traditionalist or a flavor adventurer, this recipe will hit every craving: crunchy shrimp, cool avocado, crisp cabbage, and a drizzle of the famous Bang Bang sauce that makes your taste buds dance.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos — plus variations, substitutions, storage tips, and meal-prep hacks to make taco night truly unforgettable.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

✔ Crispy shrimp — breaded and fried to golden perfection
✔ Sweet-heat sticky Bang Bang sauce that coats beautifully
✔ Fresh, crunchy toppings for a perfect texture combo
✔ Easy to customize: spicy or mild, gluten-free, or baked/air-fried
✔ A fun and exciting twist on taco night

This is a crowd-pleasing meal that works for family dinners, weekend socials, game-day gatherings, or whenever you deserve a little fiery seafood indulgence.

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🍤 What Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Bang Bang Shrimp became famous thanks to popular restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill. The original dish features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce made with mayo + sriracha + sweet chili.

In taco form, it becomes even better:

• You keep the crunchy fried shrimp

• Wrap it in soft tortillas

• Add crunchy cabbage and cooling avocado

• Drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce

• Finish with lime for brightness

Every taco is a perfect bite of hot + cold, crunchy + creamy, savory + sweet.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple and uses accessible ingredients you can find in any grocery store.

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust heat as desired)

For Serving

• 8 small flour tortillas (corn optional)

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green)

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Lime wedges, for serving

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at home:

1️⃣ Marinate the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor.

2️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Spices

• Salt & pepper

Place panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.

3️⃣ Dredge & Coat

Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

• Coat in seasoned flour

• Return to buttermilk

• Roll in panko to form a crisp coating

Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.

4️⃣ Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry shrimp in batches:

• 2–3 minutes per side

• Until golden brown and fully cooked

Transfer to a paper-lined plate to drain.

5️⃣ Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce until smooth.

Taste → Add more sriracha if you love heat!

6️⃣ Assemble Your Tacos

Warm tortillas until soft and slightly blistered.

Then layer:

1. Shredded cabbage

2. Crispy shrimp

3. Drizzle of Bang Bang sauce

4. Avocado slices

5. Fresh squeeze of lime

Serve immediately for the ultimate crunch!

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

Make your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos extra bold with these topping ideas:

Pair with:

• Southwest corn salad

• Spanish rice

• Crisp margaritas 🍹

• Homemade chips & guacamole

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🔥 Spice Level Options

The beauty of Bang Bang sauce?
You control the heat!

Perfect for family meals — everyone gets the spice level they enjoy.

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🍤 How to Make It Gluten-Free

Easily convert them into Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

✔ Swap flour for rice flour or GF all-purpose flour
✔ Use gluten-free panko
✔ Choose corn tortillas instead of flour

Same great crunch, no gluten required!

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

✔ Make sure your oil is hot before frying
✔ Don’t overcrowd the skillet — shrimp stay crispier when fried in small batches
✔ Double up the panko coat for maximum crunch
✔ Serve immediately — crispy shrimp love fresh tortillas
✔ Don’t skimp on lime juice — it brightens everything up!
✔ Want extra saucy? Coat shrimp lightly in Bang Bang sauce + drizzle more on top

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✨ Variations & Customizations

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be made your way:

🔄 Protein Swaps

• Bang Bang Chicken Tacos

• Bang Bang Fish Tacos (tilapia or cod)

• Bang Bang Cauliflower Tacos (vegetarian)

• Bang Bang Tofu Tacos (plant-based)

⚡ Cooking Method Alternatives

Instead of frying:

Air Fryer Method

• Spray shrimp lightly with oil

• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes

• Flip halfway

Oven-Baked Method

• Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12–15 minutes

• Broil for the final 2 minutes to crisp

🌮 Tortilla Choices

• Flour tortillas → soft, flexible

• Corn tortillas → more authentic, gluten-free

• Lettuce cups → light, low carb

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🧊 Storage & Meal Prep

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are best eaten fresh — but leftovers aren’t wasted!

Avoid storing assembled tacos — the sauce will soften the shrimp coating.

How to revive leftovers:

• Reheat shrimp in the air fryer or oven (not microwave!)

• Assemble fresh tortillas and toppings

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?

Yes! Dredge and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance — fry just before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap buttermilk with:

• Plant-based milk + 1 tsp vinegar

• Dairy-free mayonnaise for the sauce

How do I keep shrimp crispy?

Serve immediately and don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying.

Can I lower the calories?

Air-fry or bake instead of deep-frying and use light mayo.

Print

 Full Recipe Card

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

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Yield: 8 tacos (4 servings)

• Diet: Gluten free adaptable

Crispy shrimp, spicy-sweet sauce, fresh toppings — everything you love in one taco!

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are everything a great taco should be:

• Crunchy

• Creamy

• Spicy

• Fresh

• Totally addictive!

Whether you’re throwing a big taco night or making a weeknight dinner extra special, these tacos never fail to impress. With just a few pantry staples and simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor right at home.