Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the perfect mix of crunch and creaminess. In this easy recipe, you’ll learn to make delicious shrimp tacos that will please any crowd. I’ll guide you step-by-step, from marinating the shrimp to creating the best bang bang sauce. Let’s dive into this tasty dish that you can whip up in no time!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The fried shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward with simple steps, making it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice in the bang bang sauce or add your favorite toppings, allowing for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are great for serving at parties or casual get-togethers, ensuring everyone enjoys a fun and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
To create the best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, gather these main ingredients:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
These ingredients give your tacos a nice crunch and a burst of flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
The sauce is key for this dish. You will need:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 teaspoon honey
This sauce adds creaminess and a sweet, spicy kick.
Optional Garnishes
You can make your tacos look even better with these garnishes:
– Extra cilantro leaves
– Sliced jalapeños for heat
– Diced tomatoes for freshness
These garnishes add color and more flavor to your tacos.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Shrimp
First, you want to marinate the shrimp. This step makes the shrimp tender and tasty. In a bowl, soak the shrimp in 1 cup of buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt to the mix. Let it sit for 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors.
Preparing the Breading
Next, prepare the breading mixture. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients well. This blend gives the shrimp a nice, spicy crunch.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan. Pour in enough oil to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil to around 350°F or 175°C. While waiting, take the marinated shrimp out of the buttermilk. Let the excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mix. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil. Fry them in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels. This step helps keep them crispy.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crispy Shrimp
To get crispy shrimp, start by soaking the shrimp in buttermilk. This step makes them tender. Let them marinate for 30 minutes. After soaking, coat the shrimp in a seasoned flour mix. Use flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. The key is to shake off any extra flour. Fry the shrimp in hot oil at 350°F. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot. This makes sure they crisp up well. Drain them on paper towels to remove extra oil.
Perfecting the Bang Bang Sauce
The Bang Bang sauce is easy to make and adds a great flavor. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha. This sauce should be creamy and slightly sweet. Taste it and tweak the flavors to your liking. If you want a kick, add more sriracha. Always serve the sauce on the side for easy dipping.
Tortilla Heating Methods
Warming your tortillas is a simple yet important step. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This method keeps them warm and moist. Choose corn or flour tortillas based on your taste. Warm tortillas help hold all the yummy fillings without breaking.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the shrimp and adds extra flavor.
- Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. A temperature of 350°F (175°C) ensures a crispy exterior without overcooking the shrimp.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on your spice preference. You can even add more or less cayenne to the shrimp breading for different heat levels.
- Presentation Matters: Serve the tacos on a rustic wooden board with lime wedges and extra bang bang sauce. A colorful garnish of cilantro adds visual appeal.
Variations
Substitutions for Shrimp
If you want to change the shrimp, try using chicken or tofu. Both options work well. Chicken gives a nice, juicy bite. Tofu absorbs flavors and is a great choice for vegans. Make sure you season them well before frying. The taste will still shine through in the sauce.
Alternative Sauces
You can switch up the bang bang sauce if you want something new. Try using a ranch or garlic aioli for a creamy twist. A mango salsa adds a fresh touch, too. For those who love heat, a spicy chipotle sauce works great. Just mix it into your tacos for a zesty bite.
Taco Style Variations
Change up your taco style for fun! You can make a taco salad by using the same filling over a bed of greens. Or try a wrap using large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas. If you’re feeling adventurous, make a nacho platter. Just pile the shrimp and toppings on tortilla chips. All options keep the great flavors you love!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Tacos
You can store leftover tacos easily. Place any uneaten tacos in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have extra sauce, store that in a separate container.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your tacos, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This keeps the shrimp crispy. If you use a microwave, cover the tacos with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent them from drying out. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing works well for the shrimp but not for fully assembled tacos. To freeze, place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge. Then, fry them again to make them crispy. You can also freeze the sauce separately. It keeps well for about a month.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
I suggest using large shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Large shrimp hold up well when frying. They are also juicy and flavorful. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work, but make sure they are peeled and deveined. Look for shrimp labeled “wild-caught” for better flavor and sustainability.
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep some parts ahead of time. You can marinate the shrimp and make the sauce a day in advance. Store the shrimp in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. However, I recommend frying the shrimp right before serving. This keeps them crispy and delicious.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos pair well with several sides. Here are some tasty options:
– Mexican street corn
– Black bean salad
– Cilantro lime rice
– Fresh guacamole
– A light green salad
These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy!
In this blog post, we explored making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and handy tips for the best results. You learned how to achieve crispy shrimp and perfect the sauce. We also shared alternatives and storage methods for leftovers.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be fun and delicious. Use this guide to impress family and friends. Enjoy making this dish your ow
