Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
1/2 cup buttermilk for marinating
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup corn starch for coating
Peanut oil or Canola oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise for sauce base
3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
3 tsp sriracha, or to taste
8 to 12 Small White Corn Tortillas
3 cups Purple or Green Cabbage, thinly sliced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
Instructions
1-First Step: Start by making the Bang Bang sauce to let the flavors meld. Stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce, and 3 tsp sriracha in a bowl until smooth. Set it aside so the tastes can blend while you work on the shrimp.
2-Second Step: Prepare the shrimp marinade for that extra juicy bite. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup buttermilk with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Pour this mixture over 1 lb of peeled and deveined large shrimp, stirring to coat evenly, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
3-Third Step: Coat the shrimp for a crispy finish. Take each shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting the excess drip off, then dip it in 3/4 cup corn starch until fully covered. Tap off any extra and arrange them on a plate. This step usually takes 5 minutes and is key for that golden crunch.
4-Fourth Step: Heat the oil for frying to get things sizzling. Pour peanut oil or canola oil into a pot to a depth of 1 1/2 inches and heat it to 375°F. Once ready, fry the shrimp in batches about 3 at a time for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5-Fifth Step: Sauce the shrimp to add that signature zing. Place the warm fried shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently to coat, then let them rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to stick without making the shrimp soggy, enhancing the overall taste of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
6-Sixth Step: Toast the tortillas for a warm base. Lightly heat 8 to 12 small white corn tortillas in a dry skillet or oven for about 1-2 minutes per side. This step makes them more flexible and adds a slight char that complements the shrimp.
7-Seventh Step: Assemble your tacos with fresh toppings. On each tortilla, add a layer of 3 cups thinly sliced purple or green cabbage, 1 diced medium tomato, and 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro. Top with 2-3 sauced shrimp, then drizzle the remaining sauce over everything. For a fresh twist, squeeze on some lime juice if you like.
Notes
🌡️ Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for best frying results; check between batches.
🌽 Dredge shrimp fully in cornstarch for a crispy coating.
🍤 Fry shrimp immediately after coating; avoid breading ahead to preserve crispness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains shellfish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 362
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 744 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
