Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 8 small flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded cabbage; 1 avocado, sliced; Lime wedges, for serving

I absolutely love sharing this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that brings irresistible flavor and fun to any meal. I first made these crispy, spicy shrimp tacos on a casual weekend, and they instantly became a go-to recipe whenever I want something exciting but easy to whip up. The crunchy shrimp paired with the creamy, tangy bang bang sauce and fresh toppings wrapped in soft tortillas makes for a perfect bite every time. Whether it’s taco night or a casual dinner with friends, these tacos never fail to impress.

Why You'll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

What really pulls me in about this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is the fantastic balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp gets this amazing crispiness from the panko coating, and the bang bang sauce adds a wonderful combination of creamy sweetness with a spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. I love that it’s both satisfying and fresh, thanks to the crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado slices.

Another thing I appreciate is how straightforward and approachable the cooking process is. Even though it looks like a restaurant-quality dish, it requires just simple ingredients and familiar techniques like frying and mixing a quick sauce. For me, that ease of preparation means I can make these delicious tacos any day without a hassle. Also, they’re perfect for entertaining—whether family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a festive taco bar setup, everyone loves these shrimp tacos!

What sets this recipe apart in my kitchen is the magic of that bang bang sauce and the contrast between crunchy, spicy shrimp and the soft, warm tortillas. It’s not just a taco, it’s an experience I always enjoy, and I’m sure you’ll find it just as delightful once you try it yourself.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows many small, crispy fried chicken pieces covered in a shiny, sticky orange sauce. The chicken pieces are piled together on a white plate. They look crunchy with a rough textured coating. Tiny green bits of chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. A woman's hand is holding light wooden chopsticks picking up one piece of the chicken. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe shine, I use simple but essential ingredients that create the perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Each one plays a role—from tenderizing the shrimp to adding spice to delivering crunch and freshness in every bite.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Shrimp: I recommend large peeled and deveined shrimp for the best size and easy eating experience.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the shrimp and adds subtle tanginess to enhance flavor.
Flour and spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper creates a bold seasoned coating that packs a punch.
Panko breadcrumbs: These provide the crisp and light crunch that makes the shrimp irresistible.
Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha: The trio is the heart of the bang bang sauce—creamy, spicy, and just a little sweet.
Flour tortillas: Soft and flexible, they hold all the ingredients perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
Shredded cabbage and avocado: These fresh toppings bring crispness and creaminess that balance the spicy shrimp beautifully.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds bright acidity that lifts all the flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Start by soaking the shrimp in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is key for tender shrimp and subtly infused flavor—don’t skip it!

Step 2: While the shrimp soak, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This is your seasoned coating that will give the shrimp a tasty crust.

Step 3: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour so it’s nicely coated but not clumpy.

Step 4: Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk quickly, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so the crumbs stick for that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Heat about one inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the spice level with more sriracha if you like it hotter.

Step 7: To assemble the tacos, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each flour tortilla, layer with the crispy shrimp, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, and top with avocado slices.

Step 8: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh, zesty flavor to squeeze over each bite.

Servings and Timing

This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, though you’ll want to allow at least 30 minutes for the shrimp to soak in the buttermilk. Cooking takes about 15 minutes, making the total time around 45 minutes from start to finish. There is no resting time required, so you can enjoy these tacos hot and freshly made right out of the skillet.

How to Serve This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

The image shows three white plates on a white marbled surface, each holding a small taco with multiple layers. The base layer is a soft white tortilla, topped with shredded light green lettuce. Above the lettuce, there are finely chopped purple cabbage pieces, adding a contrast of color. On top of that, there is a generous portion of pinkish-orange cooked shrimp mixed with a few small, diced orange pieces likely of tomato. The tacos are garnished with bright green fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top. A woman's hand is holding one of the tacos on the left side of the image. The overall colors are fresh and vibrant, with a natural look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these tacos, I love to pair them with simple but flavorful sides that complement the spicy and creamy shrimp. Fresh Mexican street corn or a crisp cucumber and radish salad add a refreshing counterpoint. A side of black beans or cilantro lime rice makes the meal heartier without overpowering the flavors.

Presentation-wise, piling the tacos with shredded cabbage and vibrant avocado slices really makes the colors pop. I sometimes sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a bright, herbaceous touch. Serving the tacos with lime wedges on the side invites everyone to add a fresh citrus finish that I never skip.

For drinks, these tacos are fabulous with a chilled margarita or a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If I’m serving non-alcoholic drinks, a sparkling agua fresca or a fruity iced tea pairs perfectly. These tacos are best enjoyed warm or hot, straight from the pan to the plate, so the shrimp stay crunchy and the sauce fresh. They’re ideal for a lively taco night, casual weekend meals, or impressing guests without fuss.

Variations

I often switch things up to keep this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe fresh and exciting. For example, you can swap the shrimp for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist that still offers plenty of crunch and flavor. Just use similar seasoning and breading techniques and fry them to perfection.

If you need a gluten-free version, I substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, which work wonderfully without sacrificing texture. You can also experiment by adding fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or mint to the bang bang sauce for a personalized flavor boost.

For a lighter version, I sometimes bake the breaded shrimp instead of frying, which reduces the oil but keeps them crisp when placed on a wire rack. Another variation I enjoy is making the sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to add tanginess and cut some richness while keeping things creamy and spicy.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I always store the shrimp separately from the tortillas and fresh toppings in airtight containers. The shrimp will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This separation prevents the shrimp from getting soggy and helps keep everything tasting fresh when you reassemble your tacos.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze the fully assembled tacos, the fried shrimp themselves can be frozen. I recommend laying the cool shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to one month. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover shrimp is in a hot skillet or oven at about 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the breading soggy. If you reheat shrimp separately and warm tortillas fresh on the stovetop, it feels just like the first serving!

FAQs

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after the flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the tangy acidity of buttermilk.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Replace the shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets, and swap the mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce for vegan mayo. Also, be sure to use vegan-friendly tortillas. You’ll still get that fantastic bang bang flavor in a plant-based version.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level is moderate and controllable. The sriracha in the bang bang sauce adds a nice kick, but you can adjust the amount to taste. If you prefer mild, use less sriracha or leave it out entirely while keeping the sweet chili sauce for flavor.

Can I bake instead of frying the shrimp?

Yes! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded shrimp on a baking rack over a sheet pan, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe enough—it’s quickly become one of my favorite meals to make and share. The layers of flavor, the satisfying crunch, and the fresh toppings all come together so beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for something fun and delicious to try, these tacos will bring a smile to your table. Give them a go and enjoy every vibrant, spicy, and creamy bite!