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+ servings
Close-up of shrimp tacos filled with crunchy cabbage and fresh cilantro.

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.
4 Servings

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce optional

Shrimp

  • 1 1/2 pounds extra-large shrimp 26–30 count, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cups vegetable oil for frying

For Serving

  • 10 taco-size flour tortillas warmed
  • or Bibb lettuce leaves
  • 8 ounces shredded cabbage approx. 3 cups
  • Thinly sliced radishes
  • Thinly sliced jalapeño peppers
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. 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

  1. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Marinate for 20 minutes.

Prepare the Breading Station

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Set a cooling rack on top of a sheet pan to hold the breaded shrimp before frying.
  3. Prepare an additional sheet pan lined with paper towels—or with another cooling rack—to hold the fried shrimp.
  4. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).

Bread the Shrimp

  1. Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk.
  2. Working in batches, toss the shrimp in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
  3. 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

  1. Add the vegetable oil to a large Dutch oven or deep, heavy pot.
  2. Insert a deep-fry thermometer; heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (177°C).
  3. This will take approximately 20 minutes.

Fry the Shrimp

  1. 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.
  2. Fry for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown.
  3. Transfer the shrimp to the prepared draining station and place in the warm oven.
  4. Continue frying the remaining shrimp in batches, allowing the oil to return to 350°F between batches.

Sauce the Shrimp

  1. Once all shrimp have been fried, place them in a large bowl and toss with 1 cup of the bang bang sauce.
  2. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.

Assemble the Tacos

  1. Place a portion of shredded cabbage in each warmed tortilla.
  2. Top with sauced shrimp, then garnish with radishes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro.
  3. Drizzle with additional bang bang sauce, if desired.
  4. 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.
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