Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; Oil for cooking (avocado or vegetable oil); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 –2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; ¼ cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Pinch of salt; 8 small flour or corn tortillas; Sliced avocado; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges

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Few things hit quite like a warm tortilla piled high with crispy shrimp, crunchy slaw, and a creamy sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and just a little addictive. These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring all of that together in one crave worthy meal that feels fun, fresh, and indulgent without being complicated.

The shrimp are lightly breaded and cooked until golden and crunchy, then tossed in a signature bang bang sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and gently spicy. Add a bright, crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime, and every bite delivers contrast: crispy and creamy, cool and warm, rich and refreshing.

This is the kind of recipe that works for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or anytime you’re craving something bold and exciting that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable, flexible, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

What Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are inspired by the popular bang bang shrimp appetizer made famous by Asian fusion and seafood restaurants. Traditionally, bang bang shrimp are crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy chili sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat.

In taco form, that same crispy shrimp gets tucked into soft tortillas and paired with fresh toppings like cabbage slaw, avocado, cilantro, and lime. The result is a handheld meal that balances richness with freshness and crunch.

What makes this version special is how easy it is to recreate at home. You get restaurant style flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, without deep frying or complicated prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy shrimp with bold flavor, no deep fryer required.
That irresistible bang bang sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Perfect balance of textures, from crunchy shrimp to fresh slaw.
Quick and weeknight-friendly, ready in about 30 minutes.
Customizable heat level for kids, guests, or spice lovers.

How This Recipe Works

Light breading creates crisp shrimp without feeling heavy.
High-heat cooking keeps shrimp juicy while browning the coating.
Creamy chili sauce balances sweetness, acidity, and heat.
Fresh toppings cut through richness and keep tacos vibrant.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
Oil for cooking (avocado or vegetable oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice

For the Slaw

2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
¼ cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of salt

For Serving

8 small flour or corn tortillas
Sliced avocado
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Close-up of bang bang shrimp taco — Crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy slaw in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Place cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with garlic powder and paprika in a third.

3. Bread the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into cornstarch, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to coat.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and vinegar until smooth.

6. Toss the Shrimp

Gently toss warm shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.

7. Make the Slaw

In a bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.

8. Assemble the Tacos

Warm tortillas. Fill with slaw, bang bang shrimp, avocado, and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Air fryer option: Cook breaded shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Extra crunch: Double-coat shrimp for thicker breading.
Spicy lovers: Add more sriracha or chili crisp to the sauce.
Lightened-up version: Grill or sauté shrimp and drizzle with sauce.
Tortilla swap: Try lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

If you love bold, saucy meals, these tacos pair well with recipes like Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs or Easy Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe for easy dinner planning.

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead:
Sauce and slaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored separately.

Storage:
Leftover shrimp keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, though best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating:
Reheat shrimp in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended once shrimp are sauced.

Bang bang shrimp tacos served on a plate — Bright, flavorful tacos perfect for a fun weeknight dinner

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cilantro lime rice
Pair with street corn or corn salad
Add black beans or refried beans on the side
Serve with chips and guacamole
Turn leftovers into bang bang shrimp bowls

Nutritional Notes (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 480–520
Protein: 28–32g
Fat: 28–32g
Carbohydrates: 35–40g

Values vary based on sauce amount and tortillas used.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan, which leads to soggy shrimp.
Overcooking shrimp, making them rubbery.
Saucing too early, which softens the coating.
Skipping acidity, lime is key for balance.

FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry.

Are these very spicy?
They’re mildly spicy. Adjust heat to taste.

Can I bake the shrimp?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What tortillas work best?
Both flour and corn work well, use what you love.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and corn tortillas.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen with crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings that hit every craving at once. They’re fun, fast, and endlessly satisfying.

If you love easy dinners like Healthy Ground Turkey Tacos or Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Crispy shrimp + creamy bang bang sauce in warm tortillas. Save these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for your next flavor-packed dinner night!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fiery, flavor-packed delight, featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce and nestled in soft, warm tortillas. Fresh toppings like crisp slaw and a squeeze of lime add brightness and crunch, balancing the rich, bold flavors. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 410 kcal