Crispy Shrimp with Chili Sauce

This crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe transforms ordinary taco night into an extraordinary culinary experience with its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crunchy panko-crusted shrimp paired with creamy slaw and drizzled with sweet spicy sauce creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made these tacos for a summer gathering with friends and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they've become our go to meal whenever we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: Creates the perfect crispy exterior on the shrimp without becoming greasy
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere properly
• Flour and cornstarch combination: Ensures maximum crispiness that stays crunchy
• Panko breadcrumbs: Provide superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs
• Medium shrimp: Offer the perfect bite size for tacos look for fresh or quality frozen
• Corn tortillas: Provide authentic flavor and texture warm them slightly before serving
• Cabbage: Adds essential crunch and freshness choose firm heads with bright coloring
• Sweet chili sauce: Delivers that signature bang bang flavor find it in the Asian food section
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the entire dish with its distinctive flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slaw:

Combine both cabbages in a large bowl ensuring they're finely shredded for the best texture. Mix in sour cream mayonnaise minced garlic lime juice salt and chopped cilantro until everything is well coated. The acidity from the lime juice will slightly soften the cabbage while maintaining crunch so make this first to allow flavors to meld.

Mix the Sauce:

In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce honey and hot sauce until completely smooth. The combination creates that perfect balance of creamy sweet and spicy that makes bang bang shrimp so addictive. Adjust the hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.

Prepare the Coating:

Whisk buttermilk flour cornstarch egg and hot sauce in a large bowl until smooth. This batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but not too heavy. Season generously with salt and pepper as this is your main opportunity to season the shrimp.

Coat the Shrimp:

Working with one shrimp at a time dip completely in the buttermilk mixture allowing excess to drip off then press firmly into the panko ensuring even coverage on all sides. The pressing motion helps the breadcrumbs adhere better creating a more substantial crispy coating.

Fry to Perfection:

Heat oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Cook shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature about 6 to 8 pieces at a time. Fry until golden brown approximately 2 to 3 minutes total turning once midway. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Assemble the Tacos:

Warm corn tortillas quickly in a dry skillet or microwave. Layer each tortilla with slaw crispy shrimp drizzle generously with bang bang sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for brightness and color.

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The sweet chili sauce is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its versatility years ago and now keep it stocked in my pantry for everything from quick marinades to dipping sauces. Its complex sweet heat brings these tacos to life in a way that plain hot sauce never could.

Make Ahead Tips

While the final assembly should happen just before serving you can prepare several components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. The slaw actually improves with a little time in the refrigerator allowing flavors to meld try making it up to 24 hours in advance. The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even prepare the buttermilk coating mixture a few hours before cooking just whisk it again before using.

Perfect Pairings

These vibrant tacos pair wonderfully with sides that complement their flavor profile without competing for attention. Consider serving with cilantro lime rice black beans or a simple avocado and corn salad. For beverages a crisp Mexican lager with lime or a tart margarita cuts through the richness perfectly. For a nonalcoholic option watermelon agua fresca provides refreshing contrast to the spicy elements.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe welcomes adaptation based on your preferences and pantry. For a lighter version bake the shrimp at 425°F for 10 minutes instead of frying. Not a fan of spice reduce the hot sauce and add more honey for a sweeter profile. The slaw works beautifully with broccoli slaw mix or jicama for different textures. For added freshness top with diced mango pineapple or avocado just before serving.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your coating isnt sticking properly ensure shrimp are completely dry before dipping in the batter mixture. For maximum crispiness maintain proper oil temperature around 350°F too hot and the coating burns before cooking through too cool and it becomes greasy. Should your sauce be too thick add a teaspoon of water or lime juice to thin to desired consistency. Finally if corn tortillas are breaking double them up or briefly warm them with a light brush of oil to make them more pliable.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the Panko-coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won't be quite as crispy as fried, they'll still have great texture and flavor with fewer calories.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened before using in the batter.

→ How can I make these tacos gluten-free?

For gluten-free Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and Panko breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free. The corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaging to confirm.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! Both the slaw and bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp should be coated and fried just before serving for maximum crispiness.

→ What sides pair well with these tacos?

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos pair wonderfully with Mexican-style rice, black beans, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple avocado salad. For drinks, try a margarita, cold beer, or a citrusy agua fresca.

→ How spicy are these tacos?

The heat level is moderate, coming from the hot sauce in both the batter and the bang bang sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of hot sauce or using a milder variety. For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños as a topping.