Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that combines vibrant flavors with a satisfying crunch? Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos deliver just that, offering a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. The combination of spicy, crispy shrimp wrapped in warm tortillas creates a sensory experience that will make your taste buds dance. This dish is perfect for Taco Tuesdays or any casual gathering with friends.
Growing up, I remember my family hosting summer barbecues where the star of the show was always the shrimp tacos. The aroma of sizzling shrimp mingling with fresh cilantro and zesty lime made those gatherings unforgettable. These tacos are not just a meal; they evoke memories of laughter and connection. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they remain a cherished favorite for special occasions and everyday dinners alike. Get ready to experience an amazing flavor journey that will elevate your next taco night!
Key Ingredients For Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture. Fresh or frozen works well, but ensure they are thawed before cooking.
- Taco Shells: Choose soft corn or flour tortillas based on preference. Both options provide a delicious base for the filling.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a light coating for the shrimp, giving it that wonderful crunchy texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add extra crunch compared to regular bread crumbs. They create a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha gives these tacos their signature spicy-sweet flavor.
For the Garnish:
- Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage adds texture and freshness to each taco. You can also use purple cabbage for color.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances flavor with its bright herbaceous notes; it’s optional but highly recommended.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating later on.
Second Step: Make the Coating
In one bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk an egg until frothy. In a third bowl, pour panko breadcrumbs. Dip each shrimp first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat them with panko breadcrumbs.
Third Step: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add enough oil for frying—approximately half an inch deep. Heat until shimmering but not smoking; this usually takes about three minutes.
Fourth Step: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about two to three minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Fifth Step: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined. Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
Sixth Step: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm the taco shells briefly on a skillet or microwave. Fill each shell with shredded cabbage and top with crispy shrimp. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provides better flavor than frozen options when possible; however, ensure frozen shrimp are fully thawed before cooking.
- Control Spice Levels: Adjust sriracha content in your sauce according to your spice tolerance while keeping balance in flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos right after assembling them for maximum crunchiness; they are best served fresh!
Preparation Steps
To create delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, start by preparing the shrimp. First, rinse and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Next, season them with a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch to create a light batter. Dip each shrimp into the batter and then fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Once your shrimp are ready, prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference. Then, warm up corn tortillas on a skillet for added flavor.
Assemble your tacos by placing a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top them with shredded cabbage, diced avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top for that signature kick. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos pair excellently with a variety of sides and drinks. Consider adding:
- Fresh Salsa: A vibrant tomato salsa adds freshness.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the crunch.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve chips on the side for extra crunch.
For beverages, try pairing with a cold margarita or refreshing iced tea to balance the flavors of your tacos.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers from your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, store them properly to maintain freshness. Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The tortillas can become soggy if stored together with moist ingredients, so it’s best to keep them separate.
When ready to enjoy again, reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer for crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery. Freshly prepared tacos taste best but storing components separately allows you to enjoy them later without sacrificing quality.
Nutritional Information
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos provide a delightful mix of flavors and textures while being relatively balanced in nutrients. Each taco typically contains protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from cabbage.
While enjoying these tacos, be mindful of portion sizes and toppings as they can add calories quickly. To make this dish lighter, consider using less sauce or opting for whole grain tortillas instead of regular ones.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang Sauce made of?
Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy blend often made with mayonnaise combined with sweet chili sauce and a touch of sriracha for heat. This mixture creates a tasty dip that pairs perfectly with fried foods like shrimp or chicken. You can adjust the ratios based on your spice tolerance; more sriracha will give it an extra kick! It’s versatile enough to use as both a taco topping or dip for appetizers.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen shrimp for these tacos! Just ensure you thaw them properly before cooking to achieve the best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place them in cold water for about 30 minutes before using them in your recipe. Frozen shrimp are convenient and still deliver great flavor when cooked correctly.
How do I make my Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos spicier?
To enhance the spiciness of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, increase the amount of sriracha in your bang bang sauce mixture or add chopped fresh jalapeños as toppings. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled tacos for an additional layer of heat that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch when preparing your batter for frying shrimp. Additionally, ensure that any sauces you use are labeled gluten-free as some may contain hidden gluten ingredients. Enjoy these flavorful tacos without worry!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos offer a tantalizing blend of crunchy, spicy shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas, drizzled with a creamy, zesty sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a night in, these tacos promise to awaken your taste buds and become a new favorite at your table. With fresh ingredients and an easy preparation process, you’ll be serving up smiles in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In one bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. In another, whisk the egg. In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, and coat with panko.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Warm tortillas briefly, fill with cabbage and crispy shrimp, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: For added spice, increase the sriracha in the sauce or top with fresh jalapeños. To make gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
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