Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again

📜 Introduction: The Irresistible Story Behind Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

A Spicy, Crunchy Love Affair That Took Over My Kitchen

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos aren’t just another trendy recipe—they’re the kind of dish you make once and crave forever. I first stumbled upon these after a visit to Bonefish Grill, where the original Bang Bang Shrimp debuted in the early 2000s. That crispy, creamy, spicy bite changed how I looked at shrimp forever.

But the true magic happened when someone wrapped that legendary shrimp in a warm tortilla, layered it with slaw, and turned it into the handheld miracle we now know as Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. 🌮 This creative fusion blends American comfort food with Southeast Asian flavors, inspired by Thai-style chili sauces and street taco culture from Southern California.

From Restaurant Appetizer to Viral Taco Trend

While the appetizer was the initial crowd-pleaser, it was the taco version that blew up online in the 2010s. Food trucks and home cooks embraced this taco evolution, using it to impress guests and spice up Taco Tuesdays. And let’s be honest—fried shrimp in a tortilla with creamy heat? It’s hard to beat that combo.

These tacos became especially beloved for their balance of texture and taste—crispy fried shrimp, cool crunchy slaw, and that creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that brings it all together. 💥

🌎 Top 10 Countries Obsessed With Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Here’s where people are most likely making this dish and sharing it on socials:

1. 🇺🇸 United States – Naturally the biggest fanbase, where the trend began.
2. 🇨🇦 Canada – A loyal neighbor with a spicy tastebud streak.
3. 🇦🇺 Australia – Loves global fusion food trends.
4. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Obsessed with street food culture.
5. 🇵🇭 Philippines – Big fans of sweet-savory fusion flavors.
6. 🇳🇿 New Zealand – Seafood lovers with an adventurous palette.
7. 🇸🇬 Singapore – Where Asian fusion thrives.
8. 🇿🇦 South Africa – Known for grilling and spice.
9. 🇲🇽 Mexico – The homeland of tacos giving this a spicy nod.
10. 🇩🇪 Germany – A growing food trend spot with online foodies.

Whether you’re in California or Cape Town, chances are this recipe has made its way to your feed. And today, I’m going to walk you through how to make the absolute best version—right at home.

If you’re into crispy, saucy bites, don’t miss my Bang Bang Chicken Bites — another craveable classic with the same addictive sauce.

9 Reasons These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner Addiction

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos (serves 4) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy shrimp, creamy bang bang sauce, and crunchy slaw make these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos irresistible! A perfect spicy, sweet, and savory dinner in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For Assembly

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Extra cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp
2. Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
3. Mix cornstarch with paprika and cayenne.
4. Coat shrimp in dry mix evenly.
5. Cook the Shrimp
6. Heat oil to 375°F, fry shrimp until golden (about 2 minutes per side).
7. Spray shrimp lightly with oil, cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. Place on paper towel or rack to cool.
9. Make Bang Bang Sauce
10. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime.
11. Taste ad adjust spice level to your liking.
12. Toss the Slaw
13. Combine cabbage, carrots, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
14. Chill until ready to serve.
15. Assemble the Tacos
16. Warm tortillas.
17. Add a layer of slaw.
18. Pile on the shrimp.
19. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce.
20. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying (or Air Fryer alternative)
• Cuisine: Fusion (American-Asian)

🧰 What You’ll Need to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Before diving into the recipe, it’s smart to get all your tools and ingredients prepped. Having everything in place not only saves time, but also ensures you don’t miss any flavorful elements that make this dish a crispy, creamy masterpiece. 🦐🌮

🛠 Kitchen Tools for the Best Texture & Flavor

To get restaurant-level results at home, the right tools make all the difference. Whether you’re air-frying or deep-frying, the following essentials will help you achieve that perfect crunch without stress.

• Large mixing bowls – For marinating shrimp, tossing slaw, and coating ingredients.
• Air fryer or deep fryer (or oven) – Choose your method: healthier crisp or classic golden fry.
• Whisk – A must for blending that iconic Bang Bang sauce until creamy and smooth.
• Small saucepan – Optional, for warming the sauce gently if desired.
• Sheet pan or wire baking rack – Perfect for cooling shrimp while preserving their crispness.
• Measuring spoons and cups – Precision counts, especially for balancing heat and sweetness.

👉 If you’re skipping deep frying, a good air fryer can replicate that crunch with less oil and cleanup. I personally love using it on weeknights.

🍽 Helpful Add-Ons to Elevate Your Taco Night

Some tools aren’t essential—but they’ll take your taco game to the next level. Here are some extras I always reach for:

• Tortilla warmer – Keeps your tortillas soft, pliable, and ready for stuffing.
• Microplane zester – Perfect for zesting lime into the slaw or sauce.
• Slotted spoon – Ideal for scooping shrimp from hot oil effortlessly, letting the extra oil drip off for a crisp and mess-free result.

🛠 Pro Tip: Use a baking rack instead of paper towels to cool shrimp. It helps maintain that delicate crispy coating.

Check out my go-to essentials for Crockpot Chipotle Pot Roast Tacos — packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor and perfect for making crowd-pleasing meals with ease.

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown: Crispy, Creamy, Spicy Perfection

When it comes to Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, each layer of flavor matters—from the crispy shrimp to the tangy slaw and the bold, creamy sauce. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to bring this flavor-packed masterpiece to life. ✅

🦐 For the Shrimp: Crunchy, Juicy, and Perfectly Spiced

Shrimp is the star of the show, and how you prep and coat it makes a major difference. This take cranks up the crunch with a cornstarch coating and layers in bold, smoky spices for extra flavor in every bite.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined — with tails off for quick, mess-free taco building.
• ½ cup buttermilk – Tenderizes and helps the coating stick.
• ¾ cup cornstarch – The secret to that extra-crispy, light crunch.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika — Delivers a bold, smoky flavor that deepens the seasoning and enhances every bite.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds a subtle heat that spices things up without stealing the show.
• Vegetable oil – For deep frying or spraying if using air fryer.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tip: Give your shrimp a buttermilk bath before cooking — it enhances the flavor and keeps every bite tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.

🥬 For the Slaw: Cool, Fresh Contrast

That rich, creamy shrimp pairs perfectly with something crisp and refreshing to keep every bite light and balanced. This slaw is quick, simple, and absolutely essential.

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice – Adds zing and keeps the slaw bright.
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Want extra crunch? Add thinly sliced radishes or red cabbage for color.

🌶 For the Bang Bang Sauce: Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy

This sauce makes the dish. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy all in one perfect drizzle. And it only takes a minute to make!

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon honey – Balances the heat with a little sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

🌱 Variation: Use vegan mayo for a dairy-free option, or add Greek yogurt to lighten it up.

🌮 For Assembly: Building the Perfect Taco

You’ve got the layers—now here’s how to bring them together.

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas – Warm them for flexibility and flavor.
• Fresh cilantro leaves – For garnish and a final pop of green.
• Lime wedges – A zesty squeeze adds the perfect burst of brightness to each bite

If you’re loving the sweet heat combo, try my Smash Burger Tacos—it’s a spicy, savory twist you don’t want to miss.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from Scratch

Whipping up Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at home is easier than you think—and absolutely worth it. Whether it’s your first time cooking shrimp or you’ve mastered taco night, this guide walks you through every step to deliver crunchy, creamy bites of flavor-packed perfection. 🌮🔥

🔪 Step 1: Prep the Shrimp for Maximum Crispiness

To make the best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, start with well-prepped shrimp. This first step ensures tenderness inside and crunch on the outside.

• Place your 1 lb of peeled, deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour ½ cup of buttermilk over them.
• Let them soak for 15 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
• Meanwhile, mix together ¾ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl.
• After marinating, remove shrimp from the buttermilk and coat each one in the dry spice mixture.

👨‍🍳 Tip: Shake off excess buttermilk before coating to keep the cornstarch layer crispy, not gummy.

🍤 Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Golden, Crispy Perfection

You have two equally delicious cooking options here—both work beautifully for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Deep Fry Method:

• Heat oil in a heavy-bottom pot or skillet to 375°F.
• Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden and crispy—ensuring each piece cooks evenly without overcrowding the pan.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a rack or paper towels to drain.

Air Fryer Method:

• Lightly spray coated shrimp with oil.
• Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway to ensure a perfectly crispy, golden finish on all sides.

Either method delivers crispy, tender shrimp—perfect for assembling Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that are bursting with flavor in every bite. 😋

🥄 Step 3: Whisk Up That Signature Bang Bang Sauce

No Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are complete without this spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every bite.

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Taste and tweak the heat to your preference. Want it spicier? Add another dash of Sriracha.

🥗 Step 4: Toss the Slaw for Freshness and Crunch

While your shrimp rests, toss the slaw:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cabbage, ½ cup carrots, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
• Add salt and pepper to taste, and chill until assembly.

This fresh mix cuts through the richness of the shrimp and sauce—creating balanced, unforgettable Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

🌮 Step 5: Assemble Your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Like a Pro

Time to build!

1. Warm your 8 small tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
2. Add a scoop of slaw as the base.
3. Top with 3–4 crispy shrimp per taco.
4. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

✨ And there you have it—restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos made entirely at home!

Want more crispy Southern favorites? Try my Crispy Southern Fried Okra Recipe as a crunchy side to your tacos.

⏱ Prep Time, Cook Time, Nutrition Score & Serving Tips

Cooking Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos isn’t just quick—it’s highly rewarding. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight out of a food truck or your favorite fusion bistro. With crispy shrimp, crunchy slaw, and that spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, this meal hits all the flavor notes. Here’s everything you need to know about time, nutrition, and how to serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos just right.

⏳ Time Breakdown: From Start to Finish

If you’re new to making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, you’ll be happy to know they’re weeknight-approved.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This makes Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos a go-to option when you’re short on time but still want to impress. You can even prep the slaw and sauce ahead of time for a quicker assembly.

🥗 Nutrition Score (Per 2 Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos)

If you’re watching your macros or just want to understand what you’re eating, here’s a breakdown for two fully assembled Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 22 oz
• Fat: 28 oz
• Carbohydrates: 48 oz
• Sugar: 8 oz
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fiber: 3 oz

💡 Note: You can reduce the calorie count by air-frying the shrimp or using low-fat mayo in your Bang Bang sauce. Gluten-free tortillas also make this dish accessible for more diets.

🍽 Serving Suggestions: Make Your Meal Pop

To round out your meal of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, consider pairing them with:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Adds creamy, spicy richness to your plate.
• Avocado Salad – Offers a cooling element to balance the heat.
• Cilantro Lime Rice – Absorbs extra sauce and complements every bite.

And don’t forget the drinks! A cold lager or lime agua fresca pairs perfectly with the spicy, creamy shrimp tacos.

For parties or get-togethers, present Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos on a large platter with lime wedges, extra drizzle of sauce, and a festive side of chips and guacamole for easy crowd-pleasing vibes.

Planning a taco night spread? Add something fresh and unexpected like this Cold Chicken Caesar Pizza Salad — it’s crunchy, cool, and crowd-approved.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs, taste preferences, or just using what you have on hand, this recipe is built for flexibility. From protein swaps to creative sauce upgrades, these tweaks ensure you’ll never get bored with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

🐔 Protein Alternatives That Keep the Flavor Going

If you’re not in the mood for shrimp—or you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t love seafood—you’ve got options. The bold, zesty kick of Bang Bang sauce complements a wide range of proteins, making it a versatile favorite for everything from chicken to tofu.

• Bang Bang Chicken – Use bite-sized chicken breast pieces instead of shrimp. Bread and fry or air-fry just like the original.
• Crispy Tofu – Great for vegetarians. Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and coated with cornstarch, then air-fried until golden.
• Grilled Shrimp – For a lighter take on Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, grill the shrimp instead of frying. Brush with olive oil and season lightly.

🎯 These substitutions don’t compromise flavor. In fact, they showcase the incredible versatility of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, making them a hit for any occasion or craving.

🌮 Taco Base Variations: Low-Carb to Crunchy Cravings

Want to switch up your tortilla? You’re not stuck with just one option when making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

• Lettuce Cups – Turn them into low-carb Bang Bang lettuce wraps. Use butter lettuce for best texture.
• Crispy Corn Shells – Add extra crunch by toasting hard taco shells in the oven.
• Mini Sliders – Use small buns and turn the filling into Bang Bang Shrimp sliders for party-style servings.

Tortilla swaps offer new textures while letting the Bang Bang flavors shine.

🥛 Sauce Swaps to Suit Every Diet or Preference

The Bang Bang sauce is iconic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt it. These variations work beautifully in Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and still deliver major flavor.

• Dairy-Free – Use vegan mayo and ensure your chili sauce has no dairy additives.
• Greek Yogurt Blend – Replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier profile.
• Ranch Remix – Add a spoonful of ranch to mellow out the heat for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

No matter which sauce spin you choose, the final result will still feel true to classic Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Looking for a veggie-forward alternative? My Chile Lime Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful, zesty option that shines as a meatless taco filling or a vibrant side dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

🏁 Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos Again and Again

🌟 A Crave-Worthy Classic That Always Delivers

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are your answer. They hit all the right flavor notes—crispy, creamy, spicy, tangy—and come together in just 30 minutes. With a few pantry ingredients and a handful of fresh toppings, you can create something unforgettable.

From the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp to the bold zing of homemade Bang Bang sauce, these tacos are pure magic in a tortilla. And because they’re easy to tweak with different proteins, sauces, or low-carb swaps, you’ll never get bored making them again and again.

So whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a backyard hangout, or just a night when you’re craving bold flavor without the restaurant bill, keep this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe in your rotation. One bite—and you’ll understand why this fusion classic has taken over kitchens around the world. 🌮🔥

For another bold, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for summer dinners, try my Griddled Peaches and Cream with Pound Cake as a dessert pairing with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.