These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh – these tacos hit every note on the culinary scale. Imagine succulent shrimp, coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, nestled in warm tortillas with crisp cabbage slaw and juicy tomatoes. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Fiesta: The combination of creamy, spicy bang bang sauce with the freshness of the slaw and tomatoes is simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your spice preference and dietary needs. Use gluten-free tortillas, add different toppings, or adjust the amount of chili sauce for a milder or spicier kick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are always a hit with family and friends. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
- Texture Contrast: The contrast of the crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, warm tortillas, and crunchy slaw creates a delightful textural experience.
Ingredients:
- For the Bang Bang Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Tacos:
- 8 medium soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, cilantro, lime wedges
Preparation:
- Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help them get extra crispy when fried.
- Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey. Reserve about ¼ of the sauce for drizzling.
- Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test with a small piece of cornstarch – it should sizzle immediately), carefully add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of fry. Work in batches if necessary.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 4: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
- In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the remaining bang bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Prepare the Slaw and Tortillas
- In a medium bowl, toss together the green and red cabbage. This creates a colorful and flavorful slaw.
- Warm the tortillas according to package directions or by lightly toasting them in a dry skillet or over an open flame. This will make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing when you fill them.
- Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
- Lay out the warm tortillas and fill each with a generous amount of cabbage slaw.
- Top with the bang bang shrimp, diced tomatoes, and green onion.
- Drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce (optional).
- Garnish with avocado slices, cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired.
- Step 7: Serve Immediately
- Serve the tacos immediately while the shrimp are still warm and crispy.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease: Easy
- Flavor: Bold
- Overall: 5/5 stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as avocado slices, cilantro, lime wedges, and pickled onions, so everyone can customize their tacos.
- Serve with a refreshing beverage, such as a margarita, iced tea, or sparkling water.
- These tacos are perfect for a casual gathering or a fun family dinner.
- For a party, set up a taco bar with all the ingredients and let your guests assemble their own tacos.
Tips:
- For extra crispy shrimp, use a higher heat and fry for a shorter amount of time. Be careful not to burn them.
- If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can use a combination of chili garlic sauce and honey.
- To make the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
- For a healthier version, use grilled shrimp instead of fried.
- If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
- Leftover bang bang shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per taco, estimated)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy makes these tacos a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun and festive party dish, these tacos are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the bang bang! This recipe is not just about following steps; it’s about creating an experience, a memory, a shared moment of deliciousness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors to make these tacos your own. The possibilities are endless, and the reward is a plate full of happiness.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: While the original recipe features shrimp, you can easily adapt it to a vegetarian version. Substitute the shrimp with crispy tofu or breaded cauliflower florets. The bang bang sauce complements these alternatives beautifully, providing a similar flavor profile and satisfying texture. Ensure that the tofu or cauliflower is cooked until golden brown and slightly crispy to maintain the textural contrast that makes this dish so appealing.
Q2: How can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?
A: If you’re sensitive to heat, you can easily adjust the spiciness of the bang bang sauce. Start by reducing the amount of sriracha to 1/2 teaspoon or even less, depending on your preference. You can also add a touch more honey or mayonnaise to mellow out the heat. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the ingredients until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Alternatively, you can use a milder chili sauce in place of sriracha.
Q3: Can I prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time to save time on the day of serving. Fry the shrimp according to the recipe instructions and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the tacos, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet or microwave and toss them with the sauce.
Q4: What are some other toppings I can add to these tacos?
A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings for these tacos! Some popular options include avocado slices, pickled onions, crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of lime crema, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. You can also add some chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations.
Q5: Can I use a different type of tortilla?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for corn or flour tortillas, you can use any type of tortilla you prefer. Whole wheat tortillas are a healthy alternative, while crispy taco shells provide an extra crunch. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. The key is to choose a tortilla that complements the flavors of the shrimp and sauce and holds up well with the fillings.
