Crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, lightly spicy bang bang sauce, served in warm tortillas with fresh cabbage and toppings for a vibrant, flavorful taco meal.
1 1/2poundsextra-large shrimp26–30 count, peeled and deveined
1cupbuttermilk
1 1/2cupsall-purpose flour
1/2cupcornstarch
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/4teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
6cupsvegetable oilfor frying
For Serving
10taco-size flour tortillaswarmed
or Bibb lettuce leaves
8ouncesshredded cabbageapprox. 3 cups
Thinly sliced radishes
Thinly sliced jalapeño peppers
Sliced green onions
Chopped cilantro
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Instructions
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and Sriracha until fully blended. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to two days, or until ready to use.
Marinate the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Marinate for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Breading Station
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Set a cooling rack on top of a sheet pan to hold the breaded shrimp before frying.
Prepare an additional sheet pan lined with paper towels—or with another cooling rack—to hold the fried shrimp.
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
Bread the Shrimp
Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk.
Working in batches, toss the shrimp in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Shake off excess breading and place the shrimp on the cooling rack so the coating can dry slightly while you heat the oil.
Heat the Oil
Add the vegetable oil to a large Dutch oven or deep, heavy pot.
Insert a deep-fry thermometer; heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (177°C).
This will take approximately 20 minutes.
Fry the Shrimp
Add a handful of shrimp to the hot oil. After about one minute, use a slotted spoon to stir and separate the shrimp to prevent sticking.
Fry for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown.
Transfer the shrimp to the prepared draining station and place in the warm oven.
Continue frying the remaining shrimp in batches, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
Sauce the Shrimp
Once all shrimp have been fried, place them in a large bowl and toss with 1 cup of the bang bang sauce.
Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
Assemble the Tacos
Place a portion of shredded cabbage in each warmed tortilla.
Top with sauced shrimp, then garnish with radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro.
Drizzle with additional bang bang sauce, if desired.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
To make Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free:
Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas or lettuce leaves in place of flour tortillas.
Confirm all condiments (mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, Sriracha) are labeled gluten-free.