Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – The Best Crispy & Spicy Recipe

If you love crispy, spicy, and creamy shrimp tacos, then Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a must-try! Inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp, this dish is known for its light, crispy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla with fresh toppings.

The magic behind this recipe lies in the signature Bang Bang sauce, made from a blend of Thai sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha. Choosing the right sweet chili sauce makes all the difference—check out this Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Guide to pick the best one for your tacos.

Want a healthier alternative to deep-frying? You can make these tacos lighter by using air-fried or sautéed shrimp instead. Learn how to make fried foods healthier in this guide from EatingWell.

For those watching their diet, check out Are Shrimp Tacos Healthy for Weight Loss? to see how to keep your tacos both delicious and nutritious!

What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos So Special?

These tacos stand out from traditional shrimp tacos for several reasons:

1. Crispy, Golden Shrimp

Unlike regular shrimp tacos, Bang Bang Shrimp is lightly battered and fried for a crispy texture. The breading is made using cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs, which creates a delicate yet crunchy bite.

2. The Signature Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is a game changer—it’s:
✅ Creamy from mayonnaise
✅ Sweet from Thai chili sauce
✅ Spicy from sriracha
✅ Tangy from lime juice

The balance of flavors makes these tacos irresistible!

3. Fresh, Crunchy Toppings

A great shrimp taco needs balance, and that’s where toppings come in:

• Shredded cabbage or slaw for crunch
• Pickled red onions for tang
• Avocado slices for creaminess
• Fresh cilantro and lime juice for brightness

Looking for a taco variation with slaw? Try our Shrimp Tacos with Slaw Recipe for a refreshing twist.

4. Versatile Tortillas

You can use:

• Flour tortillas (soft and slightly chewy)
• Corn tortillas (traditional and slightly nutty)
• Lettuce wraps (low-carb alternative)

For keto-friendly tacos, check out Keto Shrimp Tacos Recipe to learn how to keep your tacos low in carbs!

Ingredients for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

For the Shrimp:

✅ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
✅ ½ cup cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs
✅ 1 tsp paprika
✅ ½ tsp garlic powder
✅ ½ tsp salt and black pepper
✅ 1 large egg (for coating)
✅ ½ cup buttermilk (optional, for extra tenderness)
✅ 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

✅ ½ cup mayonnaise (swap with Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
✅ ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
✅ 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
✅ 1 tsp honey (for a slightly sweeter touch)
✅ 1 tsp lime juice

For the Toppings:

✅ 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
✅ ½ cup pickled red onions
✅ 1 avocado, sliced
✅ ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
✅ 1 tbsp lime juice

For the Tortillas:

✅ Flour tortillas (soft and pliable) or corn tortillas (more traditional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
2. Taste and adjust spiciness or sweetness as needed.
3. Set aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp

1. In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk.
3. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat it in the cornstarch mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry shrimp for 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

👉 For a healthier version, air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm your tortillas on a skillet for 30 seconds per side.
2. Toss shrimp in Bang Bang sauce until fully coated.
3. Layer shredded cabbage, pickled onions, and avocado on each tortilla.
4. Add the Bang Bang shrimp, then drizzle extra sauce on top.
5. Garnish with cilantro and lime juice.

Customizing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – Make Them Your Own!

One of the best things about Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is how versatile and customizable they are. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, avoiding gluten, or looking for a plant-based alternative, there’s a way to tailor this recipe to fit your needs without sacrificing flavor. Below are some delicious modifications to help you enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Low-Carb & Keto Version – Enjoy Without the Carbs!

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you don’t have to miss out on the delicious flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! By making a few simple swaps, you can keep it keto-friendly while still getting that crispy texture and bold flavors.

✅ Use Lettuce Wraps Instead of Tortillas

• Traditional corn and flour tortillas are high in carbs, but lettuce wraps make a fresh and crunchy low-carb alternative.
• The best options are butter lettuce, romaine leaves, or iceberg lettuce because they are sturdy enough to hold the shrimp and toppings.

✅ Swap Panko for Almond Flour or Crushed Pork Rinds

• Instead of using panko breadcrumbs or cornstarch, coat the shrimp in almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a crispy, low-carb breading.
• Pork rinds give an extra crunch and add a slightly savory depth to the shrimp.

✅ Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo in the Sauce

• Traditional Bang Bang Sauce is made with mayonnaise, but a keto-friendly alternative is to use full-fat Greek yogurt instead.
• Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess without the added carbs and processed oils found in some mayonnaise brands.

✅ Reduce the Sugar in the Sauce

• Many store-bought Thai sweet chili sauces contain added sugars, which are not keto-friendly.
• Instead, try making a homemade version using sugar-free sweeteners or look for low-carb Thai chili sauce alternatives.

For more tips on keto-friendly shrimp dishes, check out our Keto Shrimp Guide to see how shrimp can be a great addition to a low-carb lifestyle.

Gluten-Free Version – A Safe & Delicious Option

If you have gluten sensitivities or simply prefer to eat gluten-free, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can easily be adjusted to fit your dietary needs without losing any of the crunch or flavor.

✅ Use Gluten-Free Breading

• Instead of traditional panko breadcrumbs, opt for gluten-free panko, almond flour, or even crushed rice crackers for an extra crispy coating.

✅ Double-Check the Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

• Some brands of Thai sweet chili sauce contain hidden gluten-based ingredients. Be sure to read the label and choose a gluten-free certified brand.

✅ Pick the Right Tortillas

• Many corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but if you want a softer option, there are gluten-free flour tortillas available as well.

Dairy-Free Version – Keep It Light and Creamy

For those who are lactose-intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can still enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with a few simple modifications.

✅ Use Vegan Mayo Instead of Traditional Mayo

• Instead of regular mayonnaise, use vegan mayo made from plant-based oils.
• Some great options include avocado oil mayo or cashew-based mayo.

✅ Swap Greek Yogurt for Dairy-Free Yogurt

• If you’re opting for a healthier Bang Bang sauce, use a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt.

✅ Check Your Tortilla Ingredients

• While corn tortillas are typically dairy-free, some flour tortillas contain hidden dairy ingredients.
• Choose a 100% plant-based tortilla or opt for lettuce wraps instead.

Vegan Version – Plant-Based, But Still Full of Flavor!

Want to enjoy the flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos without the shrimp? Try a vegan alternative that still delivers on crunch, creaminess, and spice!

✅ Replace Shrimp with Crispy Cauliflower or Tofu

• Cauliflower florets make an excellent replacement because they hold up well to frying and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Tofu can also be used—just press it well, cube it, and coat it in a crispy batter before frying or air frying.

✅ Use Vegan Mayo or Dairy-Free Yogurt for the Sauce

• Just like in the dairy-free version, replace regular mayo with plant-based mayo or dairy-free yogurt.

✅ Pair with Vegan-Friendly Tortillas

• Use corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or lettuce wraps for a vegan-friendly taco base.

Spice Level Customization – Make It Mild or Extra Hot!

Not everyone has the same spice tolerance, so here’s how you can adjust the heat in your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

🌶️ For a Milder Version:

• Reduce the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.
• Add a little extra Greek yogurt or mayo to balance the spice.
• Serve with cooling toppings like avocado, extra lime juice, or a creamy slaw.

🔥 For an Extra Spicy Kick:

• Add more sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the Bang Bang sauce.
• Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Top the tacos with fresh jalapeño slices or a drizzle of spicy aioli.

Vegan & Dairy-Free Option

• Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower.
• Use vegan mayo for the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Even though Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are simple to prepare, a few common mistakes can affect the texture, flavor, and overall experience of your tacos. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your tacos turn out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every time.

🚫 Overcrowding the Pan When Frying

One of the biggest mistakes when frying shrimp is adding too many at once. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to shrimp that steam instead of crisp up. This results in a soggy, greasy texture instead of a light, crispy coating.

✅ Solution: Fry shrimp in small batches, allowing enough space for them to cook evenly and maintain the perfect crunch. If you’re using an air fryer, make sure to arrange shrimp in a single layer without stacking them.

🚫 Using Too Much Sauce

While the Bang Bang sauce is the star of the show, drenching the shrimp in too much sauce can make them soggy and overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

✅ Solution: Lightly toss the shrimp in just enough sauce to coat them, or drizzle the sauce over the tacos instead of fully coating the shrimp. This way, you maintain crispy shrimp with just the right amount of creamy, spicy goodness.

🚫 Skipping the Slaw

A common mistake is forgetting a crunchy element, which leaves the tacos too soft and one-dimensional in texture. The richness of the sauce and crispy shrimp needs a fresh, crunchy contrast to balance the flavors.

✅ Solution: Add shredded cabbage, pickled onions, or a light slaw for extra texture and brightness. For a taco variation with slaw, try our Shrimp Tacos with Slaw Recipe to enhance the crunch factor.

🚫 Serving with Cold Tortillas

Using cold, stiff tortillas takes away from the experience of a warm, soft, and flexible taco wrap. A cold tortilla can also crack or tear when you try to fold it, making it harder to eat.

✅ Solution: Always warm up your tortillas before assembling your tacos! Heat them on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven. This makes them more pliable and enhances the flavor.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos turn out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every single time. 🌮🔥✨