Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These bang bang shrimp tacos pair crispy panko shrimp with a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce, crunchy slaw and fresh cilantro, all tucked into warm tortillas. They take about 30 minutes, serve 4, and can be fried, baked or air fried. Scroll down for side dish ideas.

Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy shrimp: Fried or baked to golden perfection.
• Bold flavor: Creamy, spicy, and sweet all in one bite.
• Fast: Ready in 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust spice and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (or baking option)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp lime juice

For the Tacos:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving

Love shrimp? Try our creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes next.

Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Coat: Dip shrimp into cornstarch, then egg, then panko crumbs.
3. Cook: Fry in about 1 inch of hot oil (350°F) in batches until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side, and drain on a wire rack. For a lighter version, spray the coated shrimp with oil and bake on a rack-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Shrimp are done when the flesh is pearly and opaque and reaches 145°F, per the FDA safe minimum temperatures.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust heat level.
5. Toss: Coat cooked shrimp in the bang bang sauce until evenly covered.
6. Assemble tacos: Warm tortillas and layer with slaw, sauced shrimp, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Want something different? Swap the tortillas for crispy wonton cups to make bite-size shrimp tacos for parties.

Tips & Variations

• Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
• Meal prep tip: Keep the shrimp and sauce separate until serving so the coating stays crisp.
• Air fryer option: Cook shrimp at 390°F for 8–9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Extra crunch: Add pickled red onions or shredded carrots for texture.

What To Serve With Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These sides go well with shrimp tacos:

• Cucumber Carrot Salad
• Mexican-style rice or cilantro-lime rice
• Grilled corn or elote salad
• Fresh pineapple salsa
• Tortilla chips with homemade guacamole

Dressing For Shrimp Tacos

The bang bang sauce doubles as the dressing for the tacos. For a cooler contrast, drizzle lime crema (1/4 cup sour cream mixed with 1 tbsp lime juice) on top.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep cooked shrimp and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm shrimp in a skillet for 2–3 minutes; toss with sauce just before serving.
• Freeze: Not recommended once coated in sauce.

FAQs

More to Try

• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Thai Peanut Sauce
• Crispy Baked Salmon

Conclusion

Crunchy shrimp, a creamy spicy sauce and fresh slaw make these an easy taco night favorite. Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to keep them crisp.