Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

When you’re craving something that packs a punch of flavor and texture, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the way to go. These tacos combine the crispy, spicy delight of fried shrimp with the fresh crunch of cabbage and cilantro, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s a dish that promises to deliver both satisfaction and a burst of flavors. Below, I’ll guide you through how to make these delicious tacos, perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering!

Ingredients:

For the Bang Bang Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 cup corn starch
• Peanut oil or Canola oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
• 3 tsp Sriracha hot sauce, or to taste

Taco Toppings:

• 8 to 12 small white corn tortillas, or hard taco shells
• 3 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, stir together buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow to marinate briefly while you heat the oil, which infuses the shrimp with all the aromatic spices.
3. Bread the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in corn starch, ensuring a light, even coating. Set them aside on a platter as you prepare to fry.
4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven to 375˚F (use a thermometer for accuracy). Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain the cooked shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Toss Shrimp in Sauce: In a bowl, drizzle half of the prepared sauce over the fried shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all that delicious sauce.
6. Assemble Tacos: Toast the tortillas on a griddle or directly over the flame for a bit of char. Layer the cabbage, tomato, and cilantro on each tortilla, then top with a generous helping of the sauced shrimp. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and serve immediately.

Nutritional Info:

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per taco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 8 tacos

Conclusion:

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience. Each taco is a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, crunchy, and tangy, guaranteed to excite your palate. Whether it’s a weekday dinner rush or a special occasion, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making them and even more, the joy of devouring them!