Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), thawed if frozen; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons Asian sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; 1/4 head red cabbage (8 ounces); 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro; 1 avocado; 1/4 of a sweet white onion; corn tortilla; 4 to 6 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup cornstarch; Lime wedges

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients (4 servings)

1 pound fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
1/4 head red cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/4 sweet white onion, finely chopped
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, or more as needed
1/4 cup vegetable oil, or more as needed
1/2 cup cornstarch
Lime wedges

Directions

Start by gathering all the ingredients.
Place the shrimp in a bowl. Add buttermilk, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Toss everything to coat the shrimp well. Let the shrimp sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
To make the Bang Bang sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a large bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the cabbage, cilantro, avocado, and onion. Place the chopped onion in a fine mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water. Drain well, then blot dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Heat the corn tortillas one by one on a dry skillet, griddle, or directly over the flame on a gas burner. Cook for about 20 to 30 seconds per side. Once done, stack them and wrap them in foil to steam and keep warm. Alternatively, if using flour tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Drain the shrimp and discard the marinade. Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Fry the shrimp in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until opaque and golden. Add more oil as needed during frying.
Once cooked, place the shrimp in the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat evenly.
To assemble the tacos, divide the shredded cabbage between the warm tortillas. Top with the crispy shrimp, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and the rinsed onion. Spoon any remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 793
Fat: 52g (67% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 8g (42% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 252mg (84% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1766mg (77% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 53g (19% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 10g (37% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 12g
Protein: 32g (64% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 43mg (48% Daily Value)
Calcium: 207mg (16% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
Potassium: 993mg (21% Daily Value)

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

History and Origins of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a modern culinary fusion that emerged in the early 2000s in the United States, combining elements of Southern fried shrimp with Asian-inspired sauces and the classic Mexican taco format. The Bang Bang sauce itself, a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, was popularized by restaurants such as Bonefish Grill, where it became a signature dish. By placing the flavorful shrimp inside a soft tortilla and adding fresh vegetables like red cabbage and avocado, chefs created a portable, vibrant dish that reflects cross-cultural culinary creativity.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos originated in American cuisine, particularly in coastal regions with easy access to fresh seafood, they have regional variations that adapt to local tastes. In the Southern U.S., tacos may include pickled vegetables or a spicier rendition of the sauce, while West Coast versions often incorporate fresh lime juice, cilantro, and avocado to highlight Californias emphasis on fresh ingredients. Some chefs even swap corn tortillas for flour or crispy shells, offering textural contrasts while keeping the essential bang bang flavor intact.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos stand out from traditional shrimp tacos or other seafood tacos due to the distinctive Bang Bang sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and creamy elements. Unlike standard shrimp tacos which may rely solely on lime, salsa, or simple seasoning, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos coat the shrimp in cornstarch and fry them to a crisp before tossing in the bold sauce. This results in a crunchy exterior paired with a rich, slightly sweet-spicy flavor that is immediately recognizable and distinctly American in its fusion style.

Typical Serving Context

These tacos are commonly served in casual dining restaurants, seafood bars, and taco trucks, often as part of a lunch or dinner menu. They are especially popular in coastal cities and tourist areas where fresh shrimp is readily available. At home, they are often served on a large platter for gatherings or family meals, accompanied by lime wedges and fresh garnishes like cilantro, avocado slices, and shredded cabbage, making them visually appealing as well as flavorful.

Interesting Facts

The name Bang Bang is said to derive from the bang of flavor the sauce delivers, rather than any cooking method.
Bang Bang Shrimp has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring spin-offs such as Bang Bang Chicken, Bang Bang Tofu, and even sushi rolls.
While initially a restaurant specialty, its popularity has led to pre-made sauces and frozen versions in grocery stores, making the dish accessible worldwide.
The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables demonstrates the trend of fusion cuisine, blending Asian, American, and Mexican influences.
Despite its indulgent nature, adding avocado and cabbage provides some nutritional balance, giving a fresh crunch and healthy fats to the dish.

FAQ about Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Yes, you can prepare certain components in advance. The shrimp can be coated in the buttermilk mixture and marinated for up to 30 minutes before cooking. The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure they stay crispy. You can also prep the vegetables (cabbage, cilantro, avocado, and onion) a few hours before assembly.

Leftover shrimp tacos should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. It’s recommended to store the components (shrimp, sauce, veggies, and tortillas) separately to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet to keep them crispy.

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly in the fridge or under cold water before using them in the recipe. Ensure that the shrimp are well-drained to avoid excess moisture when frying.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Simply heat them in a dry skillet or microwave, just like the corn tortillas. The taste and texture will be slightly different, but it will still work well with the filling.

To make the Bang Bang shrimp tacos spicier, you can add more Sriracha to the sauce or even include some finely chopped fresh chili peppers. You can also increase the amount of chili sauce for an extra kick.

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other types of seafood such as scallops, white fish fillets, or even battered calamari. The cooking time may vary depending on the seafood you choose, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

To keep the shrimp crispy, avoid placing them directly on paper towels after frying. Instead, place them on a wire rack so air can circulate around them. If you need to keep them warm before serving, place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish assembling the tacos.

Yes, you can make the sauce without mayonnaise by using Greek yogurt as a substitute. This will provide a slightly different flavor but will still be creamy and delicious. You can also try using a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer a non-dairy option.

The Bang Bang sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly over time.

Comments

Sarah Green

01/19/2023 02:23:49 PM

I usually don't write recipe reviews, but I just had to share my experience with this dish. I made it for dinner tonight and it was incredibly delicious! It tasted like something you would get at a fancy restaurant, but it was so simple to make. This will definitely be a regular on my monthly menu.

Kelly Diaz

12/09/2024 01:30:19 AM

Absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making it again and sharing the recipe with others.

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