Delight in the bold flavors of the ocean with the ultimate bang bang shrimp tacos! These tacos feature crispy shrimp in a delicately sweet & spicy sauce, and a bright and flavorful slaw all wrapped in a warmed soft tortilla. These are made on repeat in my house so let’s get started!

What are the ultimate bang bang shrimp tacos?

This recipe has three main components: juicy shrimp, bang bang sauce, and a tangy cilantro lime slaw that ties it all together. To get started, we need jumbo shrimp. I find that jumbo shrimp are the perfect size for these tacos because they give you the perfect bite. The bang bang sauce coats the crispy shrimp with a sweet, smooth, and slightly spicy flavor and baby, these tacos are not complete without the cilantro lime slaw. It adds so much more texture to the tacos and bright flavors.

What is bang bang sauce?

Bang Bang sauce originated in China and was originally used for chicken. The flavors of the sauce were more spicy and bold with a thinner consistency. Over the years it has been popularized in western culture and has taken on a more creamy consistency since mayonnaise was added to the recipe. My version of the sauce is creamy from the mayonnaise, a combination of sweet and spicy from the Thai chili sauce, and slightly acidic from the lime juice to balance the flavors. Although similar in appearance and popularity, bang bang sauce is not the same as Yum Yum sauce. The beloved Yum Yum sauce surprisingly isn’t an Asian sauce at all. It was created in the US by Japanese steakhouses to appeal to American taste buds.

My tips for success

Use raw shrimp and clean them properly before cooking. You can absolutely use frozen shrimp that are already shelled and deveined, just make sure they are raw. Using cooked shrimp for this recipe wouldn’t work because the batter wouldn’t stick to the shrimp and the shrimp would be tough since they are technically cooking twice.

2. Don’t skip the slaw lol! In the same way that lettuce and tomatoes make tacos 10 times better, so does this crunchy slaw. It not only adds texture to this dish but also bright flavors and vibrant colors.

3. Make the shrimp last! Once the shrimp are fried, they absorb the bang bang sauce quickly and no one wants to eat soggy shrimp. So make sure that your sauce and slaw are ready to go before frying the shrimp.

4. Don’t overcook the shrimp. Be sure to add the shrimp to the hot oil in small amounts to avoid overcrowding the pan. If the pan is overcrowded, the shrimp will take longer to develop the crispy skin while the shrimp itself is over cooking. Add a few shrimp at a time and fry for about three minutes total.

FAQs

Can only cornstarch or flour be used to coat the shrimp?

I recommend using both cornstarch and all purpose flour because they help each other. Without the addition of the flour, it’s hard for the shrimp become golden brown and without cornstarch, the skin doesn’t fry up as light and crispy. If you only have one or the other you can still make the tacos, just keep my tips in mind.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can absolutely prepare the Bang bang sauce and cilantro lime slaw ahead of time, but not the shrimp. It’s fine if you would like to clean the shrimp and season them in advance just don’t coat them in the batter or fry them, as they will become soggy.

Can I use regular green cabbage only in the slaw?

The main ingredient in the slaw is cabbage, so if you only have green cabbage that could still work here. The addition of purple cabbage and shredded carrots that come in tricolor coleslaw mix is mainly for color.

Can the shrimp be made in the air fryer?

No. Sorry, no shortcuts here lol. When these shrimp are made in the air fryer, they are not as crispy and easily become rubbery in texture.

What other proteins can I use besides shrimp?

I have tried this recipe with chicken and tilapia fish. Chicken is another popular version of this dish, but if you’re a sea-foodie, a light fish like tilapia is perfect! The toppings pair perfectly with these proteins as well.

What can I serve with the ultimate bang bang fish tacos?

I personally have eaten these tacos with crispy sweet potato fries and cilantro lime rice. Not together, of course but on different occasions. I think regular french fries or a buttery corn on the cob would be delicious! Ooh how about Mexican street corn? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know what you pair your tacos with! 😉

Why you will love this recipe

These bang bang shrimp tacos are the perfect way to get creative with your cooking! Shrimp may be the star of this recipe, but these tacos are so much more. The bang bang shrimp gives this dish its Asian flair, but adding them to a taco adds a Mexican twist. I enjoy the bold flavors and layers of texture in these tacos and I’m sure you will too!

Love bold flavors?

Check out my recipe for the best copycat Chipotle’s steak!