Name: 25-Minute Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha; 8 small tortillas; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Introduction

These 25-Minute Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors wrapped in warm tortillas. Quick to prepare and packed with zest, they make an ideal weeknight dinner or casual gathering favorite.

Two crispy fried shrimp tacos are placed side by side on a white plate with a subtle speckled design, resting on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a lightly toasted yellow corn tortilla base, layered with shredded pale green cabbage. On top, there are several pieces of golden brown, crunchy fried shrimp with a textured crust. A light orange creamy sauce is drizzled over the shrimp, and fresh green chopped cilantro is sprinkled on top. A fresh lime wedge is positioned next to the tacos on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha
8 small tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to create the spicy bang bang sauce.
Step 4: Toss the fried shrimp gently in the bang bang sauce until fully coated.
Step 5: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
Step 6: Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with a portion of the shrimp, shredded cabbage, and chopped cilantro.
Step 7: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
For extra crunch, add some sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños to the tacos.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness. Assemble tacos fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Two crispy fried shrimp tacos are placed side by side on a white plate with speckled texture. Each taco has a soft, slightly toasted yellow corn tortilla shell filled with layers of shredded pale green cabbage at the bottom, topped with golden-brown fried shrimp pieces. The shrimp are drizzled with a creamy orange spicy sauce and sprinkled with fresh chopped green cilantro. A wedge of lime sits on the plate next to the right taco. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, for a slightly healthier alternative, though frying yields the crispiest results.

What type of tortillas work best for these tacos?

Small flour tortillas are traditional and hold up well to the saucy shrimp, but corn tortillas can work too if you prefer a gluten-free option or a more authentic flavor.