Bang Bang Tacos Recipe

Irresistible Bang Bang Tacos Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Fiesta Favorite

Spicy street-style bang bang tacos bring explosive flavor to your dinner table.

Mexican culinary traditions inspire this vibrant dish with a zesty kick.

Crispy tortillas cradle tender, perfectly seasoned proteins that dance with bold marinades.

Brilliant chefs have perfected these tantalizing street-corner classics for home kitchens everywhere.

Our simplified recipe breaks down complex techniques into easy, approachable steps.

Fresh ingredients and quick preparation make this meal a weeknight champion.

You’ll want to serve these mouthwatering tacos with extra napkins and big smiles.

What You’ll Need For Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

Main Ingredients:

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the delicious core of these crispy tacos.
  • Egg: Helps create a rich coating for the shrimp.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tangy moisture and helps tenderize the shrimp.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour: Creates the first layer of crispy coating for the shrimp.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides an extra crispy exterior for the shrimp.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add depth of flavor to the shrimp coating.
Sauce and Taco Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Lime Juice: Combine to create the signature Bang Bang sauce with a spicy kick.
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft shells that hold the delicious taco filling.
  • Shredded Cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness to the tacos.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides a juicy and bright element to the taco.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add final flavor and visual appeal.
  • Lime Wedges: Offers a bright, citrusy finish to the tacos.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the shrimp to golden perfection.

How To Make Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

Create a mouthwatering Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and vibrant. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating Mixtures

Prepare two separate bowls for coating the shrimp. In the first bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

In the second bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk until well blended.

Step 3: Bread the Succulent Shrimp

Dredge each shrimp through three stages of coating:
  • First, roll in the seasoned flour mixture
  • Next, dip into the egg and buttermilk blend
  • Finally, coat generously with panko breadcrumbs

Place the coated shrimp on a clean plate, ensuring each piece is fully covered.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully lower the breaded shrimp into the hot oil, frying in small batches. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy. Remove the shrimp and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble Delectable Tacos

Warm flour tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave. Layer each tortilla with:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Crispy fried shrimp
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Generous drizzle of Bang Bang sauce

Step 6: Add Final Flourish

Garnish the tacos with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra flavor kick. Enjoy your spectacular Bang Bang Tacos!

Helpful Tips For Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

  • Sauce Success: Whisk the Bang Bang sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended flavor that coats every bite perfectly.
  • Crispy Coating Trick: Pat shrimp dry before breading to help the flour and panko stick better, creating an extra crunchy exterior.
  • Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F for golden, crispy shrimp without absorbing too much oil.
  • Batch Frying Technique: Don't overcrowd the pan when frying – this helps maintain oil temperature and ensures each shrimp gets evenly crisp.
  • Tortilla Pro Tip: Warm tortillas briefly on a skillet or griddle to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable for easier folding.

Creative Twists On Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

  • Vegetarian Veggie Crunch: Replace shrimp with crispy cauliflower florets coated in panko breadcrumbs, offering a plant-based alternative with the same delightful crunch and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Seafood Option: Swap flour with gluten-free cornmeal or rice flour for coating, using gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip tortillas and wrap crispy shrimp in fresh lettuce leaves, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the signature Bang Bang sauce and texture.
  • Grilled Protein Adaptation: Replace deep-frying with grilling seasoned shrimp for a lighter, healthier preparation that still delivers robust flavor and satisfying protein.

Best Pairings For Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

  • Pair Zesty Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur to complement the spicy bang bang sauce and crispy shrimp.
  • Create Tropical Slaw Companion: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with pineapple chunks and rice vinegar to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the tacos.
  • Serve Cool Cucumber Salsa: Chop cucumber, red onion, and cilantro with a splash of lime juice to provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy, hot shrimp.
  • Select Crisp Asian-Style Beer: Choose a light lager or wheat beer with subtle hints of rice or citrus to cut through the rich, spicy taco profile.

How To Store Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

  • Store leftover Bang Bang Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the crispy shrimp from soft tortillas to prevent sogginess.
  • Transfer Bang Bang sauce to a small freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month when sealed tightly and frozen.
  • Crisp up leftover shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 350°F, spreading shrimp on a baking sheet for 5-6 minutes until heated through.

FAQs About Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight

  • What is the key to achieving crispy shrimp for Bang Bang Tacos?

The secret is using panko breadcrumbs and following a three-step coating process: first dredge in seasoned flour, then dip in egg and buttermilk mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. This technique ensures a super crispy exterior that gives the shrimp a delightful crunch.

  • Can I make Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before using to ensure all ingredients are well combined. The sauce actually develops more flavor when it sits for a bit.

Why Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight Are So Loved

Why Bang Bang Tacos Spicy Crispy And Easy To Make Delight Are So Loved
  • Craft Crunchy Seafood Sensation: Create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen with perfectly crispy shrimp that delivers incredible texture and mouth-watering flavor.
  • Master Quick Spicy Fusion: Transform ordinary ingredients into an exciting meal that combines crispy shrimp with zesty Bang Bang sauce, offering a perfect balance of heat and tanginess.
  • Customize Personal Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels by modifying sriracha or sweet chili sauce, making these tacos adaptable to different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
  • Impress Dinner Guests Instantly: Wow friends and family with a professional-looking dish that seems complicated but comes together surprisingly quickly with simple preparation steps.
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Bang Bang Tacos Recipe

Bang Bang Tacos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Spicy bang bang tacos bring Mexican street flavors to life with crispy shrimp and creamy chili sauce. Tangy, zesty ingredients combine for a mouthwatering meal that will spark excitement at your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (453 grams)
  • 1 large egg

Breading and Coating:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (120 grams)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Frying:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 milliliters)

Taco Components:

  • 4 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded (100 grams)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (150 grams)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (25 grams)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 milliliters)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (30 milliliters)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (15 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (5 milliliters)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty bang bang sauce by blending mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small mixing bowl until silky smooth.
  2. Create two separate preparation stations: one for seasoned flour mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and another for egg and buttermilk blend.
  3. Methodically coat each shrimp by first dredging in seasoned flour, then dipping into egg mixture, and finally rolling thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, ensuring consistent temperature for optimal frying. Carefully submerge breaded shrimp in hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  5. Drain fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil, allowing them to rest and maintain crunchiness.
  6. Gently warm flour tortillas for 15-20 seconds until pliable and slightly charred.
  7. Layer tortillas with crisp shredded cabbage, then strategically place golden fried shrimp on top.
  8. Sprinkle diced tomatoes over shrimp for added freshness and color.
  9. Generously drizzle prepared bang bang sauce across tacos for maximum flavor impact.
  10. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, serving with lime wedges to enhance overall taste profile.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting sriracha amount for milder or spicier preferences.
  • Swap shrimp with crispy chicken or tofu for vegetarian/alternative protein options.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check oil temperature around 350°F for perfect golden-brown frying without burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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