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Two tacos with crispy fried shrimp, shredded lettuce, and creamy sauce on a white plate. A small bowl of dipping sauce, green onions, and cilantro are also visible on the table.
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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos packed with flavor: fried shrimp tossed in creamy spicy bang bang sauce, fresh cabbage, and herbs in a warm tortilla. This crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to prep, perfect for parties, and totally addictive. Try it today for the ultimate shrimp taco experience.

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 –2 tsp sriracha to taste
  • 1 tsp lime juice

For the Tacos:

  • 4 –6 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce or cabbage
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Place shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes for extra tenderness and flavor.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until well coated.
  • Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
  • Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Gently toss the hot fried shrimp with half the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Reserve the rest for drizzling.
  • Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.
  • Layer each tortilla with shredded cabbage, a generous portion of bang bang shrimp, a drizzle of extra sauce, green onions, and cilantro
  • Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing