Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup cornstarch; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste); 8 small tortillas; Lettuce, for serving; Sliced green onions, for garnish

Plate of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos garnished with fresh herbs and lime

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Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and fun meal to prepare. They combine crispy shrimp with a creamy and spicy sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even casual lunch. The flavors are bold and exciting, making it a hit with both adults and kids.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
8 small tortillas
Lettuce, for serving
Sliced green onions, for garnish

Directions

In a bowl, soak shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch, then fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to create the bang bang sauce.
Warm tortillas in a skillet.
Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas, drizzling with bang bang sauce, and adding lettuce and green onions.
Serve immediately.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Serve the tacos hot right after they are assembled. You can add extra toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or even cilantro for added flavor. These tacos go well with a side of rice or a light salad.

How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

If you have leftover shrimp or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp can last for about 2 days while the sauce can last for a week. It’s best to only assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat so the tortillas stay soft.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp for a crispy texture.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to match your spice preference.
You can use any type of shrimp you like, fresh or frozen works well.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Just coat them in the cornstarch and place them on a baking sheet, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with chicken. Just ensure to cook the chicken thoroughly.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.