The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fantastic mix of crispy shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce, all tucked inside warm, soft tortillas. These tacos bring together a great balance of crunchy textures and zesty flavors that make every bite super satisfying. You’ll love how the shrimp are coated with just the right amount of heat and sweetness from the bang bang sauce.
I always find myself craving these tacos when I want something quick but special. What I really like is how easy it is to mix up the bang bang sauce—just a few simple ingredients come together to make a sauce that really wakes up your taste buds. I usually add a little crunch with some shredded cabbage or lettuce and a squeeze of lime to brighten everything up. It feels like a restaurant treat but made in my own kitchen!
My favorite way to serve these shrimp tacos is with a side of fresh salsa or a light salad. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or even a fun weekend lunch. Every time I make them, they disappear fast because they’re just that good. If you love shrimp and a bit of spice, this recipe will probably become a go-to for you too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work well because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, you can swap for large shrimp or even small scallops for a different twist.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy coating. You can use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko, though panko gives the best crunch.
Sweet chili sauce: This adds sweetness and a little heat to the bang bang sauce. If you can’t find it, mix honey with a bit of hot sauce as a simple substitute.
Sriracha sauce: It adds spice and tang. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference or use another hot sauce like chili garlic sauce.
Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas both work. Flour stays soft and foldable, while corn adds a nice texture. Warm them well for easy folding without cracking.
How to Make the Shrimp Crispy and Not Soggy?
The secret to extra crispy shrimp lies in coating and frying. Here’s what I do:
- Mix panko and spices to create a flavorful crust. Don’t skip the paprika and garlic powder—they add great flavor.
- Press the coating onto the shrimp firmly so it sticks well.
- Use enough oil to fry the shrimp in batches—avoid overcrowding the pan to keep oil temperature steady.
- Fry at medium-high heat (around 350°F) so the shrimp cook fast and get crispy without soaking up oil.
- Drain fried shrimp on paper towels to catch extra oil and keep them crunchy.
Following these steps helps the shrimp stay crispy under the sauce and in the taco!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – perfect for frying shrimp evenly without crowding.
- Mixing bowls – to keep the wet and dry coatings separate and organized.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – makes flipping and removing shrimp from hot oil safe and easy.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil and keeping shrimp crispy.
- Small bowl and whisk – for mixing the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Skillet or microwave – to warm tortillas so they’re soft and foldable.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use grilled or blackened shrimp instead of fried for a lighter, smoky flavor.
- Swap cabbage for shredded lettuce or add sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Add pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce inside the taco for extra heat.
- Mix chopped green onions or fresh mint into the slaw for a fresh twist.
The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp and Coating:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp lime juice
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook the shrimp, and just a few minutes to assemble the tacos. So, in under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and add more sriracha if you like it spicier. Put the sauce in the fridge to keep it fresh while you cook the shrimp.
2. Prepare the Shrimp and Coating:
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix will give your shrimp a flavorful, crispy coating.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp first into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Set the coated shrimp aside.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, about 1 inch deep, and heat over medium-high heat to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re soft and easy to fold.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Lay shredded green and purple cabbage on each tortilla, then top with several crispy shrimp.
7. Add Sauce and Garnish:
Drizzle a generous amount of the bang bang sauce over the shrimp and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
8. Serve with Lime:
Add lime wedges on the side, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before eating to brighten all the flavors.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos — a perfect meal that’s quick, tasty, and fun to eat!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry well to help the coating stick and get crispy.
How Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Less Spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the sriracha sauce. You can also add a little extra mayonnaise or a touch of honey to balance the heat while keeping the flavor creamy and sweet.
Can I Bake the Shrimp Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. You won’t get quite the same crunch, but it’s a great lighter option.
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Store shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy, then assemble tacos fresh to avoid soggy tortillas.