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These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos deliver bold flavor and irresistible crunch. Each taco is packed with golden-crisp shrimp, tangy homemade slaw, and drizzled in a creamy, spicy-sweet chili sauce that takes things to the next level. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, they’re a quick, restaurant-style meal you can whip up for taco night, summer cookouts, or a fun weekend dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shrimp
½ cup vegetable oil (or more as needed)
1 cup buttermilk
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 large egg
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Kosher salt, to taste
1½ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 6-inch corn tortillas
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

For the Slaw
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon salt

For the Sauce
¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons Frank’s Hot Sauce

Directions

Make the slaw by mixing green and red cabbage, sour cream, mayo, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, hot sauce, and salt. Dip shrimp into this mixture, then dredge in panko to coat.

Working in batches, fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Warm the tortillas, then fill each with slaw, crispy shrimp, and a drizzle of the bang bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Taco)

Calories: ~250–300
Protein: 12–15g
Carbohydrates: 20–25g
Fat: 15–18g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: Moderate to high depending on sauces

What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp So Addictive?

The star of this dish is, without a doubt, the shrimp. Coated in a seasoned buttermilk-flour-cornstarch batter, dredged in panko breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection, the shrimp are crunchy on the outside and tender inside. What makes them truly addictive is the way they soak up the bang bang sauce while still retaining their crispiness.

The name “Bang Bang” refers to the signature sauce that makes these tacos unforgettable. A creamy blend of mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, honey, and Frank’s RedHot, the sauce hits all the right notes: sweet, spicy, tangy, and rich. It’s a versatile dressing you’ll find yourself drizzling on everything from salads to wraps once you try it.

The Slaw: Crunchy, Creamy, and Bright

No taco is complete without the right slaw, and this one brings color, texture, and a refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp and sauce. A combination of green and red cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, and mayo creates a creamy, herbaceous slaw that adds balance and zing.

The slaw isn’t just filler—it plays a critical role. It provides crunch, freshness, and a cooling element that makes each bite dynamic. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and holds up well in the fridge, making leftovers just as tasty the next day.

Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion

There’s a reason why these tacos have become a viral favorite among food lovers. They offer a combination of:

Speed – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep
Versatility – Easily adjusted for spice level or dietary preferences
Crowd-Pleaser Status – Loved by adults and kids alike
Restaurant-Style Appeal – Beautiful presentation and flavor without the high price tag

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, celebrating a casual family taco night, or whipping up an elevated game day spread, these shrimp tacos feel festive and elevated while still being approachable and easy to execute.

Customizations and Variations

While the classic version of these tacos is hard to beat, they’re also incredibly easy to customize:

Gluten-Free: Use rice flour and gluten-free panko for the breading, and opt for certified gluten-free tortillas.
Low-Carb: Serve the shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Air Fryer Friendly: The shrimp can be air-fried at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes for a lighter alternative to pan-frying.
Extra Heat: Add sriracha or cayenne to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Mild Version: Reduce or skip the hot sauce for a more kid-friendly flavor.

You can also swap in grilled shrimp for a fresher, lighter option—perfect if you’re grilling outdoors or watching fat content.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are incredibly satisfying on their own, but they shine even more when paired with the right sides. Consider serving them with:

Coconut rice or cilantro-lime rice to complement the tropical flavors
Elote (Mexican street corn) for a creamy, cheesy side
Mango or pineapple salsa for added sweetness and brightness
Tortilla chips and guacamole to start the meal with a crunchy classic
A cold beer, spiked seltzer, or margarita to complete the experience

These additions turn the dish into a full, festive meal worthy of a themed dinner party or summer night celebration.

Nutrition Breakdown and Lighter Options

Each taco delivers an estimated 250–300 calories, making them relatively balanced given the fried component. Here’s a general nutritional snapshot per taco:

Protein: 12–15g
Carbohydrates: 20–25g
Fat: 15–18g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: Moderate to high, depending on sauces and seasoning

To make them lighter:

Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise
Fry shrimp in minimal oil or use an air fryer
Add more slaw and fewer shrimp per taco to boost fiber and reduce calories

This way, you can keep the flavor while tailoring the dish to your nutritional goals.

Quick Tips for Taco Success

Prep the slaw and sauce first to allow the flavors to meld while you cook the shrimp.
Use small-to-medium shrimp for optimal texture and easy biting.
Double the sauce—you’ll want extra for dipping or leftovers.
Warm the tortillas just before serving to keep them pliable and flavorful.
Drain shrimp well on paper towels to maintain crispiness.

Keeping your shrimp crisp and your slaw chilled ensures that every bite has the ideal contrast of textures and temperatures.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a restaurant-worthy dish that combines bold flavors, crunchy textures, and visual appeal in every bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any meal where you want to impress without the stress.

With crispy fried shrimp, vibrant cabbage slaw, and that irresistible bang bang sauce, they bring together everything you want in a taco: heat, sweetness, freshness, and crunch. Whether you’re planning a taco bar, a fun weeknight dinner, or a summery meal on the patio, this dish is sure to be the star of the show.

Once you’ve made them once, don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your taco night rotation—because they really are that good.

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