Easy Weekday Bang Bang Shrimp 🍤 Tacos 🌮
✨Ingredients✨
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 shrimp (I used coconut for healthier version)
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, or coleslaw mix
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
🤩Instructions🤩
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp:
1. In a small bowl, stir together Bang Bang Sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. Make the marinade by combining buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder. Pour over peeled and deviled shrimp and stir to coat. Set aside while you start preheating your oil.
3. Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting excess marinade drip off. Dip both sides in cornstarch until fully coated, tap off the excess and arrange breaded shrimp on a platter.
4. Heat 1 1/2” of oil in a dutch oven or pot to 375˚F. Fry shrimp in 3 batches, cooking for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, crispy and cooked through (turn halfway if needed). Use a strainer to transfer shrimp to rest on wired rack to keep the crispiness.
5. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and drizzle half of the sauce over warm shrimp. Toss gently until shrimp are coated and rest for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
6. Lightly toast corn tortillas on a griddle, skillet for 30 seconds per side, or over a gas flame if you want some charring.
7. Add desired taco toppings, top with 2-3 shrimp per taco and drizzle with remaining sauce.
8. Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
#shrimpdinner #weeknightmeals #easydinnerrecipe #budgetfriendly
Okay, so you've seen the recipe for these incredible Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, but let's be real – the real star of the show here is that amazing Bang Bang Sauce! It's what makes these tacos truly unforgettable, and honestly, it's so much more versatile than just for shrimp. I've been making this sauce for ages, and it's become a staple in my kitchen because it's just that good and so simple to whip up. First off, let's talk about the magic behind the sauce. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy that just hits all the right notes. The mayonnaise provides that rich, smooth base, while the Thai sweet chili sauce brings in the sweetness and a hint of tang. And then, Sriracha – that's where the kick comes in! I love that you can totally adjust the Sriracha to your own heat preference. Sometimes I go a little heavier if I'm feeling brave, or dial it back for a milder flavor. A little trick I've picked up is to add a tiny squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce right before serving; it brightens everything up beautifully and adds another layer of flavor that's just *chef's kiss*. But here’s the thing, this sauce isn't just for shrimp tacos! Oh no, that would be a crime. I've found so many other delicious ways to use it. It's fantastic as a dip for chicken tenders or even roasted sweet potato fries. If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, try tossing some baked chicken or tofu in it and serving it over rice. It also makes an amazing dressing for a crunchy slaw or a drizzle over grilled fish. Seriously, once you make a batch, you'll find yourself putting it on everything! And speaking of making it a full meal, while these tacos are fantastic on their own, I've found that serving them with some fluffy yellow rice and savory black beans, maybe even topped with a sprinkle of crumbled white cheese, really completes the experience. It turns a simple taco night into a vibrant, satisfying feast. The combination of the crispy shrimp, the fresh shredded cabbage, and that irresistible sauce, paired with those hearty sides, is just perfection. The cabbage adds that crucial crunch, which is a must for any good taco, whether you go for purple or green. Making the sauce ahead of time is also a game-changer for busy weeknights. I often double the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. That way, when a craving for these shrimp tacos (or anything else that needs a flavor boost!) hits, half the work is already done. It’s all about making delicious meals easy and accessible, and this Bang Bang sauce truly delivers on that front. Give it a try, and I promise you'll be hooked!
