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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

crispy bang bang shrimp tacos - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy shrimp coated in a light batter, topped with a creamy, spicy mayo and fresh toppings, perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil) for frying
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Crack one large egg into a separate bowl and whisk lightly until smooth.
  4. Dip each shrimp first into the beaten egg, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well. Place coated shrimp on a plate and repeat until all are coated.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high until it reaches roughly 350°F (175°C) or until a small bit of flour dropped in bubbles and rises immediately.
  6. Fry shrimp in batches, cooking each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  7. While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust heat or sweetness to taste and set aside.
  8. Warm tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds until pliable.
  9. Assemble tacos by spreading a generous spoonful of spicy mayo on each tortilla, adding shredded cabbage, topping with crispy shrimp, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro if using.
  10. Serve with lime wedges and squeeze lime juice over tacos just before eating.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature. Use neutral oils with high smoke points like peanut or canola oil. Mix spicy mayo fresh before serving to prevent separation. Warm tortillas properly to avoid cracking. For a lighter version, air fry shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy mayo, easy tacos, quick dinner, seafood tacos