There’s a certain thrill that comes with assembling a vibrant feast on a sunny summer day. Imagine the satisfying crunch of crispy corn tortillas topped with succulent shrimp, luscious guacamole, and a zesty pico de gallo. That’s exactly why I fell in love with these Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas. This delightful dish, bursting with flavor and freshness, transforms any casual gathering into a festive occasion.
One day while whipping up a simple dinner, I decided to experiment with my favorite summer ingredients. The result? An irresistibly crispy tostada crowned with sweet and spicy shrimp that left everyone wanting more. It’s the perfect way to elevate your meal without hours of preparation—great for busy weeknights or laid-back afternoons.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, these tostadas deliver a satisfying crunch and mouth-watering taste. Plus, the flexibility in ingredients means you can personalize them to suit your cravings. So, let’s dive into making this summer delight, shall we?
Why Will You Love Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and spicy goodness that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick Assembly: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these vibrant tostadas in no time, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or family dinners.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap in your favorite toppings or proteins for a unique twist, whether it’s chicken or crispy tofu!
Summer Vibes: Perfectly embodying fresh, bright summer flavors, they pair excellently with refreshing drinks for a joyous meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: These tostadas are sure to impress friends and family alike, turning any meal into a festive celebration!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- Raw deveined peeled shrimp – Use raw shrimp for optimal texture; avoid pre-cooked to prevent toughness.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness; substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice if needed.
- Chili powder – Provides heat and flavor; adjust to taste based on spice preference.
- Garlic powder – Adds savory depth; fresh minced garlic can work as a flavorful alternative.
- Onion powder – Enhances overall seasoning; fresh onion can be a suitable substitute.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor.
- Cornstarch – Coating for the shrimp that achieves crispiness when fried.
- Canola oil – Necessary for frying the shrimp; vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.
For the Tostadas
- Corn tortillas – Serve as the delicious base; flour tortillas can be an alternative for a different taste.
For the Guacamole
- Avocados – Provides creamy texture; store-bought guacamole is a quick alternative.
- Tomato – Adds freshness; can be replaced with any preferred ripe variety.
- Garlic – For added flavor; consider adjusting amounts to suit your taste.
- Onion – Affects the overall profile; feel free to use shallots for a milder taste.
- Jalapeno – Provides a kick; adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Cilantro – Brings in a fresh herbaceous note; omit if it’s not your favorite.
- Lime – Essential for balancing flavors; use fresh juice for the best taste.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayo – Forms the creamy base of the sauce; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- Sweet chili sauce – Creates a sweet touch; adjust proportions based on your sweetness preference.
- Sriracha – Adds spiciness; modify the amount to achieve your desired heat level.
Explore the delicious journey of creating Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas with these nourishing ingredients!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas
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Prepare Tortillas: Fry corn tortillas in neutral oil for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 5 minutes each side, brushed with oil. Set aside and keep warm.
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Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, combine raw shrimp with buttermilk, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture sit, allowing the shrimp to absorb the flavors while you prepare the other components.
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Make Guacamole: Mash the ripe avocado in a bowl and mix in minced garlic, diced onion, chopped tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and season with salt. Aim for a nice creamy consistency with some chunky bits for texture.
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Prepare Pico de Gallo: In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, bell pepper, minced onion, chopped garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and season with salt. Give it a gentle toss, and allow the flavors to meld while you finish the shrimp.
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Coat Shrimp: Toss the marinated shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated. This coating will help create that irresistible crispy texture when frying.
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Fry Shrimp: Heat oil over medium heat and shallow fry the coated shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, reserving 3/4 of the sauce for the shrimp. Set aside the remaining sauce to drizzle over the assembled tostadas.
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Assemble Tostadas: Spread a generous layer of guacamole on each crispy tortilla. Top with the fried bang bang shrimp, spoon over the pico de gallo, and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce for that extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optional: Garnish with fresh lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas
Feel free to personalize these tostadas with exciting twists and tasty swaps that suit your cravings.
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Chicken Swap: Substitute shrimp with cooked, shredded chicken for a hearty and familiar flavor. Your family will enjoy the savory goodness.
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Crispy Tofu: For a plant-based option, use crispy tofu cubes instead of shrimp. This gives a delightful crunch while remaining completely meat-free.
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Crunchy Toppings: Elevate your tostadas by adding shredded lettuce, diced radishes, or crumbled feta cheese for extra texture and zing. The combination enhances each bite beautifully.
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Heat Variation: Mix in diced jalapeños or switch to a spicier pepper for a different kick in your pico de gallo. Adjust to your preferred spice level for a tailored experience.
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Citrus Twist: Add a splash of fresh orange juice to your guacamole for a hint of sweetness. This surprising flavor will brighten every bite.
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Change It Up: Try different herb options like parsley or green onions in your guacamole for a fresh twist. It gives the dish a completely new flavor profile.
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Sriracha Kick: Amp up the sriracha in your bang bang sauce if you’re craving more heat. This simple adjustment can turn up the flavor dial for spice lovers.
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Flour Tortillas: Switch corn tortillas for flour for a softer base, offering a more comforting and distinct taste. Whichever you choose, they’ll still be delicious!
Expert Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas
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Fresh is Best: Always use fresh, raw deveined shrimp for the perfect bite. Pre-cooked shrimp can lead to a tough texture.
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Cornstarch Coating: Ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated with cornstarch; this will enhance their crispiness while frying.
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Mind the Oil Temperature: Keeping your frying oil at the right temperature is crucial. Too hot can burn the shrimp, while too cool can make them greasy.
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Customize Your Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and sriracha in the bang bang sauce to match your spice tolerance.
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Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly chopped ingredients for guacamole and pico de gallo to elevate the overall flavor of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas.
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Quick Serve: Serve your tostadas immediately after assembling for the best crunch—waiting too long can cause the tortillas to become soggy.
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas
Room Temperature: Enjoy your assembled tostadas immediately for the best flavor and crunch; they should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any uneaten components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep guacamole fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to minimize browning.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze, store fried shrimp in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes to regain crispiness.
Reheating: Reheat fried shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave to maintain their crunchy texture. Avoid reheating guacamole to enjoy its fresh flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors with less hassle during busy weeknights! You can prepare the guacamole and pico de gallo up to 24 hours ahead; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. To keep the guacamole from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against its surface. Additionally, marinate the shrimp and coat it in cornstarch up to 3 hours in advance. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry the shrimp and assemble the tostadas within minutes for a quick, delicious meal that feels like a gourmet experience, without the time commitment!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?
Transform your crispy tostadas into a full meal that’ll impress your family and friends!
- Zesty Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime adds a refreshing brightness that elevates the flavors in your tostadas.
- Mango Salsa: The sweet and slightly spicy notes of mango salsa contrast beautifully with the savory shrimp, creating a delightful taste explosion. Plus, it adds a vibrant splash of color!
- Crunchy Coleslaw: This creamy, crunchy side adds texture and balances the heat, making each bite of your tostadas even more enjoyable. Serve it alongside for extra crunch and freshness.
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs perfectly with the spicy bang bang shrimp, offering a delightful contrast and rounding out the meal.
- Chilled White Wine: Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc; its acidity beautifully complements the flavors while providing a refreshing sip to accompany the crunch of the tostadas.
- Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a light and refreshing fruit sorbet can cleanse the palate after the spicy shrimp, making it an ideal sweet ending to your meal.
With these pairings, you’re set to create a sensational dining experience that’s bursting with flavor!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?
Absolutely! For the best results, always opt for raw deveined peeled shrimp. This choice ensures a tender and juicy texture that pre-cooked shrimp cannot deliver. Giving those fresh shrimp a quick marinade in buttermilk and spices will accentuate their natural sweetness and contribute to that delightful crunch when fried.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?
Very! After you’ve had your fill of these crispy delights, be sure to store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps maintain freshness and texture. Ideally, you can keep everything for up to 2 days. Just remember, the guacamole should be covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent browning!
Can I freeze the components of Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?
Certainly! You can freeze your fried shrimp for up to 1 month. Just stack them in a single layer in an airtight container, ensuring no extra air gets in. If you want to keep things even crispier, you can lay them between layers of parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes to bring back that crunch!
What if my Bang Bang sauce is too spicy?
Not a problem at all! If your Bang Bang sauce turns out to be spicier than you hoped, simply balance it out. You can add in more mayo to dilute the heat, or mix in a little bit of honey for sweetness. For a cool touch, a dollop of sour cream paired with extra lime can work wonders to temper the spice and create a deliciously balanced flavor.
Is it safe to leave assembled tostadas out at room temperature?
Absolutely, but with a caveat! It’s best to enjoy your assembled Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas immediately for the utmost crunch and flavor. They should ideally not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as they can become soggy and unsafe after that mark. If you need to prep in advance, make sure to store all components separately until you’re ready to serve!
How can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas pet-friendly?
Very! If you have furry friends at home, it’s important to keep them munching safely. You can prepare a version of the shrimp without seasonings or sauces for your pet—just boil or bake the raw shrimp plain. Make sure to check for any food allergies and only give a little as an occasional treat!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas: Crispy, Flavorful Summer Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fry corn tortillas in neutral oil for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 5 minutes each side, brushed with oil.
- In a bowl, combine raw shrimp with buttermilk, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the other components.
- Mash the ripe avocado in a bowl and mix in minced garlic, diced onion, chopped tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and season with salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, bell pepper, minced onion, chopped garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and season with salt.
- Toss the marinated shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat oil over medium heat and shallow fry the coated shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, reserving 3/4 of the sauce for the shrimp.
- Spread a layer of guacamole on each crispy tortilla, top with fried bang bang shrimp, spoon over pico de gallo, and drizzle reserved bang bang sauce.
