Crispy, creamy, and loaded with flavor, these Bang Bang shrimp tacos taste just like the popular restaurant favorite. Juicy shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter, fried until golden, and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. Wrapped inside warm tortillas and topped with fresh slaw, these tacos deliver the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and heat. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing party meal.
The crispy shrimp get coated in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, creating a rich, slightly spicy glaze that clings beautifully. Each taco gets layered with crunchy slaw, juicy shrimp, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce. Fresh toppings like cilantro, lime juice, and green onions add brightness to balance the bold flavors, making every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Bang Bang shrimp tacos are crunchy, creamy, and full of bold flavor, just like the restaurant version but made at home. The homemade Bang Bang sauce ties everything together perfectly while keeping the dish quick and simple.
You can customize the heat by adding more sriracha or swap in grilled shrimp for a lighter version. Serve them for Taco Tuesday, game days, or casual get-togethers and watch them disappear fast.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1½ tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional for tanginess)
For the Slaw & Tacos:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
2. Prep the Slaw
Combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Coat the Shrimp
Pour buttermilk over the shrimp and let it sit for 10 minutes. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil in a skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Warm tortillas, add a layer of slaw, top with crispy shrimp, and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro, lime, and green onions if desired.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Copycat)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1½ tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tsp rice vinegar optional for tanginess
For the Slaw & Tacos:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- Green onions sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Make Bang Bang sauce and set aside.
- Toss cabbage with slaw dressing and chill.
- Dredge shrimp in seasoned coating and fry until crispy.
- Warm tortillas and layer slaw, shrimp, and sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro, lime, and green onions.
Tips & Variations
- Oven-baked option: Bake shrimp at 400°F for 12 minutes instead of frying.
- Extra heat: Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper to the sauce.
- Light swap: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Prep ahead: Make the sauce and slaw up to a day in advance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tacos with chips and salsa, Mexican street corn, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Pair with margaritas, iced tea, or sparkling lime water for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang shrimp tacos are crispy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, making them an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, they bring restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.
