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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos offer a bold flavor explosion with crispy-coated shrimp drenched in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, nestled inside warm tortillas with fresh vegetables and garnishes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and customizable recipe balances heat, crunch, and freshness for a family-friendly, satisfying meal suitable for gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

  • 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg or 1/2 cup buttermilk (for dipping)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Tortillas

  • 8 soft flour or corn tortillas (use corn tortillas for gluten-free)

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt/sour cream as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 12 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Fresh Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Optional garnishes: cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or panko with baking powder for a light, crispy coating.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into a beaten egg or buttermilk, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Pan-fry the shrimp in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, bake shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
  3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness and heat to your preference.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. Layer shredded cabbage or lettuce onto the tortillas, add the crispy shrimp, then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Top with avocado slices, tomato, lime juice, and optional garnishes like cilantro, green onions, and pickled jalapeños.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately while shrimp are warm and crispy. Squeeze fresh lime wedges on top to brighten flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp and crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
  • Taste the bang bang sauce while mixing to balance sweetness and heat.
  • Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain crispiness.
  • Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing.
  • Prepare sauce and toppings ahead to make assembly easier when short on time.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips.
  • Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Leftover shrimp and sauce should be stored separately to keep shrimp crispy.
  • Reheat shrimp in oven or toaster oven, avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Nutrition

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