If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh all in one bite, these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are about to become your new obsession. Inspired by the wildly popular appetizer from Bonefish Grill, this homemade version gives you that same crave-worthy flavor, tucked into soft tortillas with crunchy cabbage and a drizzle of zesty lime.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s surprisingly easy to pull off, even on a weeknight. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have restaurant-quality tacos in less than 30 minutes. And yes—there’s a reason we call these “the best.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

These tacos tick all the boxes. They’re quick to make, packed with bold flavors, and completely customizable.

• Restaurant-quality at home – Crispy shrimp coated in that signature Bang Bang sauce tastes every bit as indulgent as your favorite takeout, but fresher and more satisfying.

• Weeknight-friendly – From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

• Crowd-pleasing – Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a casual dinner party, everyone will want seconds.

• Customizable spice level – Adjust the Sriracha to make it as mild or fiery as you like.

Suitable For

This recipe isn’t just for seasoned cooks. It’s approachable enough for beginners and impressive enough for entertaining.

• Great for families: kids can enjoy it with less heat, and adults can kick up the spice.

• Perfect for gatherings: double or triple the batch and let guests assemble their own tacos.

• Ideal for meal prep: fry the shrimp just before serving, but the sauce and toppings can be prepped ahead.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Making these tacos from scratch might sound intimidating, but the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need to bring them to life.

Core Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk plus a splash of vinegar for a quick substitute)

• ½ cup cornstarch

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

• 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance the heat)

For the tacos:

• 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas

• 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix

• Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish

• Lime wedges, for serving

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem. Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into ½ cup of regular milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you’ve got an easy substitute.

Prefer a gluten-free option? Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use corn tortillas.

For a lighter version, skip the frying and use an air fryer. Cook the breaded shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

And if you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe works beautifully with chicken or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Best Shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

The key to perfect Bang Bang Shrimp is, unsurprisingly, the shrimp.

• Medium vs large shrimp: Medium shrimp give you more crispy coating in each bite, while large shrimp offer a meatier texture. Both work—choose based on your preference.

• Fresh vs frozen: Frozen shrimp are perfectly fine; just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid soggy breading.

• Wild-caught vs farmed: Wild-caught shrimp tend to have a cleaner, sweeter flavor, but farmed shrimp can still yield delicious results.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make these tacos, but a few basic tools will make the process smoother.

Must-Have Tools

• A heavy skillet or Dutch oven for frying

• Tongs for flipping shrimp safely

• Mixing bowls for dredging and tossing

• Paper towels to drain excess oil

Nice-to-Have Tools

• An air fryer for a healthier, mess-free option

• A thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the ideal frying temperature (around 350°F)

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos at home may sound like a weekend project, but it’s actually a breeze once you break it down into simple steps. With these clear instructions and a few pro tips sprinkled in, you’ll be turning out restaurant-worthy tacos with confidence.

Step 1 – Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whipping up the signature sauce that gives these tacos their irresistible flavor. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy. Taste as you go—if you like things a little spicier, add an extra drizzle of Sriracha. If you prefer a touch more sweetness, a little more honey will do the trick.

Set the sauce aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the shrimp. This little resting time makes all the difference.

Step 2 – Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks and crisps up properly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Next, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for 10 to 15 minutes. This not only helps the coating adhere but also tenderizes the shrimp slightly for that perfect bite.

Step 3 – Coat the Shrimp

In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and flour. This duo is the secret to achieving that ultra-light, crispy coating.

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks. Set them on a plate while you heat the oil.

Step 4 – Fry the Shrimp

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches and heat to 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small pinch of flour. If it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry.

Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures even cooking and keeps the oil temperature steady.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5 – Toss in the Sauce

While the shrimp are still warm, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they’re evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix; you want each shrimp cloaked in sauce but still perfectly crisp.

Step 6 – Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side. This small step makes them soft and pliable with just a hint of char.

To assemble, layer a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla for crunch, add a generous portion of saucy shrimp, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips for Success

Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are all about attention to a few small details:

• Keep the oil at a steady 350°F for consistent frying. If it gets too hot, the coating can burn before the shrimp are cooked through.

• Don’t skip patting the shrimp dry. This step helps the coating adhere and keeps it from falling off during frying.

• If you’re serving a crowd, fry the shrimp in advance and reheat them in the oven at 400°F for a few minutes before tossing in the sauce.

• For a lighter version, try air frying the shrimp. Spray them lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting great.

At Room Temperature

As with most seafood, don’t leave cooked shrimp out for more than an hour.

In the Refrigerator

Store the components separately. Keep the shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The sauce will keep for up to a week.

Freezing Tips

It’s best to freeze the shrimp before tossing them in the sauce. Lay the fried shrimp on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer, then coat in fresh sauce before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s the best substitute for buttermilk?

A simple mix of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice works perfectly. Let it sit for five minutes to curdle slightly before using.

Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos spicy?

They have a moderate kick from the Sriracha. To tone it down, use less Sriracha or swap it for a milder hot sauce.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the coating and use corn tortillas instead of flour ones.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, you might enjoy these other delicious dishes:

• Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy and flavorful pasta with tender shrimp.

• Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp in Butter Soy Glaze – A quick surf-and-turf dish with bold flavors.

• Keto Cilantro Lime Shrimp Stuffed Poblano – A low-carb option packed with zesty shrimp.

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Indulgent pasta perfect for seafood lovers.

• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Steak & Sweet Pepper Bites – Perfect as a side or appetizer to complement your tacos.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the kind of dish that feels special enough for a Friday night but easy enough to pull off on a Tuesday. With crispy golden shrimp, a creamy spicy sauce, and fresh crunchy toppings, they deliver on every level.

So why wait for your next restaurant visit? Make these tacos at home and watch them disappear in minutes.

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