Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
There’s something about tacos that just feels like comfort food in disguise. They are bright, messy, and full of flavor, but still the kind of meal you want to linger over. These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are no exception. Imagine shrimp coated with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, topped with fresh coleslaw, and wrapped in a warm tortilla. What I love most about these tacos is how they bring a little spark of flavor to an ordinary night. They’re quick enough to cook up after a busy day, but they still feel like something worth savoring!
Bang Bang Sauce
If you’ve never tried Bang Bang Sauce before, you’re in for a treat. This creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce is the heart of these tacos, and the reason they feel so irresistible. Traditionally made with a base of mayonnaise (I add some yogurt), a touch of sweetness (like honey or agave), and a kick of heat from sriracha, it strikes that perfect balance of flavors: rich and velvety, with just enough spice to keep you coming back for another bite.
The name might sound bold, but the sauce itself is surprisingly cozy. It’s not overly fiery, instead, it’s the kind of gentle heat that warms you up without overwhelming your taste buds.
What I love most about Bang Bang Sauce is its versatility. While it’s a natural partner for shrimp, it’s also amazing drizzled over chicken, tucked into wraps, or even used as a dipping sauce for veggies and fries. Once you try it, you’ll probably find yourself making an extra batch just to keep on hand in the fridge.
The Secret to the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
When it comes to Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, the shrimp might grab the spotlight, but the real star of the show is the sauce. That creamy, slightly sweet, gently spicy drizzle is what ties everything together, and the secret to getting it just right is all about balance.
The perfect Bang Bang Sauce should hit three notes at once:
- Creamy richness – usually from mayo or Greek yogurt, giving it that silky texture that clings beautifully to shrimp.
- A touch of sweetness – honey, sugar, or even a little agave mellows out the heat and keeps the sauce from being one-dimensional.
- Just the right amount of spice – sriracha or your favorite chili sauce adds warmth and flavor, without overpowering everything else.
The trick is adjusting those elements to your taste. If you like a little more heat, add an extra squeeze of sriracha. Want it lighter? Swap more of the mayo for Greek yogurt. Craving more tang? A squeeze more lime juice to brighten it right up.
What makes this sauce so cozy is that it’s customizable, it’s the kind of recipe you can tweak until it feels like your version. And once you find that perfect balance, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything from tacos and rice bowls to roasted veggies and sandwiches.
Breading Shrimp vs. Not Breading Shrimp
One of the fun choices you get to make with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is whether to bread your shrimp or keep them unbreaded. Both versions are delicious. It really just comes down to the kind of texture and vibe you’re going for.
Breading the shrimp gives you that irresistible crunch. A light coating of flour or cornstarch helps the shrimp crisp up beautifully, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy Bang Bang Sauce. It’s the version you’ll find at many restaurants because it feels a little more indulgent and gives that classic “Bang Bang” bite.
To bread the shrimp:
- Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels so the coating sticks better.
- Set up a quick dredging station: one shallow bowl with flour (or cornstarch for a lighter crunch), and another with a beaten egg.
- Dip each shrimp first into the flour, then into the egg, and back into the flour again for a light double-coat.
- Cook until golden – pan-fry them in a little olive oil or bake them in the oven until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Skipping the breading keeps things lighter and a touch simpler. Sautéed or grilled shrimp still soak up the sauce and taste incredible, just with a fresher, more straightforward flavor. This version is quicker to prepare, a bit less messy, and a great option if you’re trying to cut back on fried foods but still want all that Bang Bang flavor.
The good news? You can’t go wrong either way. Breading makes the tacos extra crispy and fun, while unbreaded shrimp let the sauce shine through a little more. Personally, I love breaded shrimp when I want to recreate that restaurant-style comfort at home, and unbreaded shrimp for an easy, weeknight-friendly dinner. Lately, I have been making this more with it not breaded, as it taste lighter in Arizona hot weather.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Style | Pros 🌮 | Cons 🥢 |
|---|---|---|
| Breaded Shrimp | Crispy, golden crunch; feels more indulgent and restaurant-style | A little messier to prepare; slightly heavier |
| Unbreaded Shrimp | Quick to cook; lighter and fresher; sauce flavor shines through | Missing that signature crunch |
Both ways work beautifully. It’s all about what you’re craving that night!
PrintBang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Yield: 6-8 tacos
Ingredients
– 1 pound of small peeled and deveined shrimp
– small white corn tortillas
Bang Bang sauce:
– 1 1/2 tbsp avocado mayo
– 1 1/2 tbsp greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
– 1/2 tbsp agave
– 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
– 1 tsp lime juice
Coleslaw:
– 2 cups of shredded cabbage and carrots
– 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp agave
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– sprinkle of salt
– pepper
–
Instructions
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together avocado mayo, Greek yogurt, sriracha, agave, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness if needed. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Coleslaw:
In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, agave, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
– Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, they cook quickly!
– Remove from heat and toss the shrimp in the Bang Bang Sauce until fully coated.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
– Place a small handful of coleslaw on each tortilla.
– Top with several Bang Bang-coated shrimp
– Drizzle with extra Bang Bang Sauce if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
