If you’re craving something vibrant, flavor-packed, and absolutely addictive, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Recipe will be your new go-to. Imagine tender shrimp, perfectly fried to crispy golden perfection, tucked inside warm tortillas and drizzled with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce that delivers a perfect punch of heat and sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brightens any meal and makes you feel like you’re dining at your favorite coastal taqueria, all from the comfort of home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays an important role in building layers of texture and flavor, ensuring every bite is irresistible and full of contrast.
- 1 pound medium-sized shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp works best for that juicy, tender bite.
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas: Choose your favorite to provide a warm, pliable base for the tacos.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for coating the shrimp, giving it that crispy exterior.
- 1 large egg: Helps the flour adhere perfectly to the shrimp for a flawless fry.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the spicy bang bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a little kick to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings the heat and balances the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Iceberg or romaine for fresh crunch and color contrast.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Provides a subtle oniony sharpness and vibrant green garnish.
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped: Optional but highly recommended for brightness.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: Adds a zesty finish when squeezed over the tacos.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by making sure your shrimp are fully thawed if frozen, then pat dry to avoid splattering during frying. Dry shrimp make the coating stick better and produce a tastier crust.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl until smooth, then add flour to another bowl with a pinch of salt. This two-step coating process is the secret to getting that light, crispy texture on the shrimp.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture first, letting excess drip off, before dredging them thoroughly in the flour. Set them aside gently on a plate, ready for frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil for Frying
Pour about an inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Test if it’s ready by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil; a lively sizzle means perfect frying temperature.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the shrimp in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip after 2-3 minutes and cook until crispy and cooked through, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. This spicy mayo blend is the heart of this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Recipe, turning ordinary tacos into an explosion of flavor.
Step 7: Warm the Tortillas
Place tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable — a little warmth brings out their best texture and makes assembling easier.
Step 8: Assemble the Tacos
Layer shredded lettuce on each tortilla, add a few crispy shrimp, and drizzle generously with the spicy bang bang sauce. Top with chopped green onions and cilantro, then finish with a fresh squeeze of lime for that lively citrus note.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, crunchy garnishes like chopped green onions and cilantro add a beautiful contrast to the rich shrimp and spicy mayo. Don’t forget the lime wedges! A quick squeeze just before eating brightens every bite and elevates the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a simple cucumber salad or Mexican street corn. The cool, fresh elements balance the richness of the crispy shrimp and creamy sauce fantastically.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party touch, serve the tacos deconstructed: bowls of crispy shrimp, bang bang sauce, shredded lettuce, and garnishes let guests build their own. Or wrap the tacos individually in parchment paper for an easy handheld treat that’s as delightful as it is mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp stay crispier this way, and the sauce keeps its vibrant flavor.
Freezing
While freshly fried shrimp are best, you can freeze uncooked, coated shrimp in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen for a quick treat.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp in a hot oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness rather than in the microwave, which tends to make them soggy. Warm the tortillas separately and drizzle sauce fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking so they fry up crisp and delicious.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a pleasant kick from the sriracha, balanced with the sweetness of the chili sauce and creaminess of the mayo. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.
What type of tortillas works best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas add a traditional, slightly earthy flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable — pick your favorite!
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier twist, you can bake them at a high temperature until crispy, although frying gives the shrimp a classic crunch that’s hard to beat.
How long do leftover tacos keep?
For the best taste and texture, eat leftovers within 1-2 days. The shrimp are best when fresh, but careful storage helps maintain quality for a short period.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a touch of spice, you simply must try this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Recipe. It’s the perfect cozy meal for any night, easy enough to whip up on a weekday but special enough to impress friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, these tacos will have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, golden fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, fresh lettuce, and vibrant toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound Medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen, thawed before cooking.)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour (For dredging the shrimp.)
- 1 large Egg (To help the flour adhere to the shrimp.)
- Pinch of salt (for the flour)
Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (Adjust to taste.)
Toppings and Serving
- 8 small Corn or flour tortillas (Choose your favorite type.)
- 1 cup Shredded lettuce (Iceberg or romaine.)
- 2 Green onions, chopped (For garnish.)
- 1 handful Fresh cilantro, chopped (Optional but recommended.)
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges (For serving.)
- About 1 inch oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Begin by ensuring the shrimp are completely thawed if frozen, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture for better coating.
- Set up dredging stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Place coated shrimp on a plate and set aside.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until hot. Test by dropping a small piece of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the shrimp: In batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add coated shrimp to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the bang bang sauce: While shrimp cook, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds per side to make them pliable and warm.
- Assemble the tacos: Layer shredded lettuce in each tortilla, add a few crispy shrimp, and drizzle with the prepared bang bang sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions and cilantro for freshness, then squeeze lime juice over the tacos for a bright finish. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before coating to get a crispy crust.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to control the level of heat.
- Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option, flour tortillas for traditional taste.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to prevent shrimp from steaming instead of frying.
- Serve tacos immediately as tortillas can become soggy over time.
