These Bang Bang Tacos are a fun and tasty treat! They feature crispy breaded shrimp or chicken, drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce, all tucked into warm tortillas.
Every bite is crunchy and zesty, making you want to devour more! I love pairing them with a fresh side salad for a yummy meal that’ll impress anyone at your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well. If you’re not a shrimp fan, try using chicken strips or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a nice crunch. If you can’t find panko, plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work too, but they won’t be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Buttermilk: It’s great for a tender coating. You can substitute with milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if you’re out of buttermilk. Yogurt can also be thinned with a bit of water.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil, like canola or peanut oil, works for frying. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could try baking the shrimp instead, which is just as tasty!
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise gives richness. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute. Adjust the sriracha for spiciness based on your preference!
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Fried Shrimp?
Frying shrimp can seem tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it just right! Proper coating and oil temperature are key for crispy shrimp.
- Start by setting up your dredging station with flour mixture, egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough; drop a small piece of bread in the oil – it should sizzle and brown within a few seconds.
- Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid crowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Cook each side for about 1.5-2 minutes until golden brown; overcooking can make shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them!
- Use paper towels for draining excess oil to keep them crispy.
How to Make Bang Bang Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Tacos:
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and making the sauce, and another 15 minutes for cooking the shrimp and assembling the tacos. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. This sauce adds a delightful kick to your tacos. Once mixed, set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Grab two bowls. In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together. In the other bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the buttermilk. This will create a tasty coating for the shrimp!
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to coat the shrimp! Take each shrimp and dip it first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they are well coated and then place them on a plate. This will make them crispy and delicious!
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the shrimp in batches. Fry each shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds. For each tortilla, add a layer of shredded cabbage, top it with the crispy fried shrimp, and then sprinkle on diced tomatoes. Don’t forget to drizzle on the Bang Bang sauce for that extra zing!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your tacos by topping them with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy your scrumptious Bang Bang Tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry after thawing to ensure they fry up nicely!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it as you would regular buttermilk in the recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the components separate. Place the fried shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the cabbage and tomatoes in another container, and keep the tortillas wrapped in foil or in a bag. To reheat the shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet before assembling the tacos.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using to ensure the ingredients are well combined. It’s a great time-saver!
