Quick Overview
Are you craving a delicious meal that brings together the flavors of the sea and a hint of spice? The Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is your answer! This dish combines crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce with fresh toppings wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or simply perfect for a weeknight dinner. Within minutes, you can whip up these mouthwatering tacos that are both satisfying and full of flavor. The balance of crispy textures and zesty toppings will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep time. Let’s dive into the details of what you need to create this amazing dish!
Ingredient Breakdown
– **Shrimp (1 pound)**: Use large shrimp for the best bite. You can choose either fresh or frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw if using frozen.
– **Cornstarch (1/2 cup)**: This ingredient gives the shrimp their crispy coating when fried. It helps create a light crunch that complements the softness of the tortilla.
– **Egg (1 large)**: The egg acts as a binding agent for the cornstarch and helps achieve an even coating on each piece of shrimp.
– **Bang Bang Sauce (1/2 cup)**: A mixture typically made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha provides that signature spicy kick.
– **Tortillas (8 small corn or flour)**: Choose your preferred type; both work well with this filling. They serve as the perfect vessel for all those delicious ingredients.
– **Shredded Cabbage (1 cup)**: Adds crunch and freshness to the tacos while also providing color contrast.
– **Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)**: This herb adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of your dish.
Step By Step Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if necessary. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch and egg until smooth. This mixture will help coat each piece of shrimp evenly.
3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each piece of shrimp into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated before gently placing it in the hot oil.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the coated shrimp in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove them from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined. Adjust spice level according to taste.
7. Assemble Tacos: Place fried shrimp on warm tortillas, followed by shredded cabbage and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.
8. Garnish & Serve: Top with freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor and enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos immediately after assembly for optimal freshness! Pair them with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing or alongside some tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal experience. If you’d like additional toppings, consider diced avocado or pickled red onions which complement the spiciness beautifully.
Storage Guidelines
If you have leftovers or plan to make these tacos ahead of time, store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The fried shrimp can stay fresh for up to two days while maintaining crispness when reheated in an oven rather than a microwave. Keep sauces stored separately as well to prevent sogginess in tortillas before serving later on!
Enjoy preparing these tasty treats that are bound to become a favorite in your household!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and can become tough if left on the heat for too long. Aim for a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. This will ensure that they remain tender and juicy, providing the perfect texture for your tacos.
Another mistake is using too much sauce. While the bang bang sauce is delicious, it can overpower the dish. Drizzle it lightly over the shrimp and toppings instead of drowning them in sauce. This way, you keep the flavors balanced and allow each ingredient to shine through in your tacos.
Additionally, not preparing your toppings ahead of time can lead to a rushed assembly process. Having all your ingredients ready to go can enhance your cooking experience. Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocados should be prepared in advance to ensure a smooth taco-making process.
Tips and tricks
To make the best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, consider marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade with lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt will deepen their flavor profile significantly. This small step can make a noticeable difference in taste.
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for an impactful flavor. Opt for fresh shrimp rather than frozen if possible. Fresh shrimp has better texture and flavor, which will elevate your tacos immensely. Additionally, fresh vegetables like crunchy cabbage or ripe tomatoes add a delightful crunch and freshness.
When assembling your tacos, start with a soft tortilla as your base. Corn tortillas are great for this recipe due to their authentic taste. Warm them slightly before adding ingredients; this makes them pliable and enhances their flavor when combined with other fillings.
Suggestions for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Consider pairing your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with a refreshing mango salsa. The sweetness from the mango complements the spicy shrimp beautifully while adding a burst of color to your dish. Simply mix diced mango with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño for an easy salsa that takes only minutes to prepare.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding pickled red onions as a topping for these tacos. Their tangy taste balances the richness of the shrimp and adds a vibrant pop of color. You can easily pickle red onions by soaking them in vinegar mixed with sugar and salt for about 30 minutes before serving.
Lastly, don’t forget about sides! Serving these tacos with a light salad or crispy tortilla chips elevates your meal further. A simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette provides brightness that pairs nicely with spicy tacos while keeping everything light.
FAQs
What is the best way to cook shrimp for this recipe?
The best way to cook shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is by sautéing or frying them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Avoid overcooking them as they can become chewy.
Can I use frozen shrimp instead?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe; however, it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking. Place them in cold water or leave them overnight in the refrigerator to ensure even cooking without compromising texture.
How do I store leftover tacos?
To store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, place any remaining shrimp and toppings in airtight containers separately in the fridge. Assemble new tacos when ready to eat to maintain freshness; otherwise, the tortillas may get soggy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Ensure that all other ingredients used do not contain gluten by checking labels carefully.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
If you prefer not to use mayonnaise in your bang bang sauce, Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that still provides creaminess while being healthier. Mix it with chili sauce and sriracha for similar flavor profiles.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level of these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos depends on how much sriracha you add to the sauce or topping choices you make. You can adjust spiciness by increasing or decreasing sriracha according to personal preference.
Summary
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful dish combining flavors and textures that please any palate. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking shrimp or using excessive sauce to achieve optimal results. Incorporate helpful tips such as marinating shrimp beforehand and using fresh ingredients to enhance taste further. Pairing suggestions like mango salsa or pickled onions can elevate your meal even more while ensuring leftovers are stored correctly for later enjoyment.