These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect blend of crispy shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. The shrimp are coated in a crunchy coating that gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the bang bang sauce adds just the right kick of heat and sweetness. Fresh slaw on the taco adds a nice cool crunch that balances the spicy shrimp beautifully.
I love making these tacos when I want something quick but really delicious. The sauce comes together fast with simple ingredients, and frying up the shrimp is so fun because they turn out crispy every time. I always add a little extra lime juice on top for a fresh tang that lifts all the flavors. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s hard not to make it again and again.
My favorite way to serve these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is with a side of black beans and corn, and maybe a cold, fizzy drink to cool things down. They’re great for a casual dinner or even for surprising friends at a weekend get-together. Everyone loves the combination of spicy shrimp and creamy sauce, and these tacos never disappoint on flavor or fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work perfectly here because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you can’t find shrimp, small scallops or firm white fish chunks are tasty alternatives.
Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders build great flavor. For less heat, reduce cayenne pepper or swap with smoked sweet paprika.
Bang bang sauce: Mayonnaise bases the sauce, giving it creaminess. Light mayo or Greek yogurt work for a lighter option. Sweet chili sauce brings sweetness and spice, but if unavailable, use a mix of honey and a mild hot sauce.
Slaw: Fresh cabbage and carrots add crunch and freshness. Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience. Adding lime juice freshens it all up.
Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas are traditional and add nice texture. Flour tortillas can be used if preferred or if corn tortillas are hard to find.
How Do You Get Crispy Shrimp without Breading?
The shrimp here are cooked without coating but still get a great texture by using a hot pan and just a bit of oil. Here’s how:
- Heat oil in the skillet over medium-high heat before adding shrimp. Oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer without crowding so they sear properly and don’t steam.
- Cook each side 2-3 minutes until pink and lightly charred. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
This method gives you juicy shrimp with a great sear, perfect for tacos without heavier breading or frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking shrimp evenly and quickly.
- Mixing bowls – handy for tossing shrimp with spices and mixing the bang bang sauce.
- Whisk – helps blend the sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Tongs or spatula – great for flipping shrimp gently.
- Griddle or microwave-safe plate – to warm tortillas until soft and flexible.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp with crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist; it soaks up the sauce nicely.
- Use avocado slices or guacamole for added creaminess and richness.
- Add pickled jalapeños to the slaw for an extra tangy kick.
- Mix some chopped mango or pineapple into the slaw for a sweet contrast that balances the spice.
The BEST Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 8 small soft corn tortillas
- Additional chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total—10 minutes to prep ingredients including slaw and sauce, and about 10 minutes to cook the shrimp and warm tortillas. It’s a quick, flavorful meal you can whip up anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste it and adjust the heat or sweetness as you like. Set the sauce aside.
3. Prepare the Slaw:
Combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, season with salt and pepper, then toss it all together. Set this fresh slaw aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas either in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave them for about 20 seconds until they’re soft and flexible.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Divide the slaw evenly among the warm tortillas. Add cooked shrimp on top of the slaw. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, and sprinkle extra chopped cilantro for freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over. The mix of crispy shrimp, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh slaw is sure to delight!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water inside a sealed bag. Pat them dry to prevent extra moisture during cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning and use less sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can also swap sriracha for a milder hot sauce or use just sweet chili sauce for sweetness without heat.
Can I Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce and Slaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the sauce and slaw a few hours or even a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just toss the slaw with the dressing before assembling to keep it crisp.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet before assembling fresh tacos to maintain their texture.
