How to Make the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Better Than a Restaurant!)

There’s something about bite-sized, crispy shrimp tucked into warm tortillas and drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that just works. Maybe it’s the crunch, maybe it’s the heat, or maybe it’s the fact that bang bang shrimp tacos make every meal feel like a celebration.

Whatever it is, these tacos check all the boxes for an unforgettable, flavor-packed dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

What makes this version special? A few things. First, the shrimp are double-coated for that extra crisp factor. Then there’s the bang bang sauce—just the right balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet. And finally, the cilantro-lime slaw brings everything together with a cool, tangy contrast. It’s a mash-up of flavors and textures that just won’t quit.

This dish takes inspiration from the classic bang bang shrimp appetizer, which originally gained popularity at Bonefish Grill, a seafood chain known for its crave-worthy, creamy-spicy shrimp. But turning it into tacos? That’s next-level genius.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with purple cabbage, tomatoes, parsley, lime drizzled with mayonnaise hot chili sauce on cutting board on white wooden table, vertical view from above

Table of Contents

The Secret to the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

What makes bang bang shrimp tacos truly spectacular? It’s all in the details. Here’s what sets this recipe apart:

Double-crunch breading: A mix of cornstarch and panko ensures that golden, crispy shrimp exterior that holds up to the sauce.
The perfect sauce balance: Too much heat and it overpowers, too much sweetness and it feels off. This one? Just right.
A slaw that does more than look pretty: Instead of a boring, soggy slaw, this one is crisp, tangy, and actually complements the shrimp.

These small tweaks make all the difference, ensuring each bite is chef’s kiss perfect.

The Key to Crispy Shrimp That Stay Crunchy

Nobody wants sad, soggy shrimp tacos. The goal? Crunch that holds up to the sauce and slaw. Here’s how to get it right:

Cornstarch is your best friend: It locks in moisture while creating a crisp outer layer.
Panko breadcrumbs add next-level crunch: Regular breadcrumbs won’t cut it here.
Fry at the right temperature (and don’t overcrowd the pan): 350°F is the sweet spot. Too low, and you’ll get greasy shrimp. Too high, and they’ll burn before they cook through.
Let them drain properly: Place fried shrimp on a wire rack, not paper towels, to keep them from getting soggy.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with purple cabbage, tomatoes, parsley, lime drizzled with mayonnaise hot chili sauce

What’s the Deal with Bang Bang Sauce?

If you’ve never had bang bang sauce, prepare to become obsessed. It’s a ridiculously simple mix of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, but somehow it creates magic.

The mayo keeps it creamy, the sweet chili sauce brings a touch of sweetness and heat, and the Sriracha gives it a spicy kick. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything—shrimp, chicken, fries, even roasted veggies.

How to Build the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Taco

A good taco isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it’s about layering textures and flavors so that every bite delivers something special. Here’s how to do it:

Start with a warm tortilla. It makes all the difference. A quick pass over a dry skillet (or even a few seconds over an open flame) gives it that perfect softness and a hint of char.
Lay down the slaw. This acts as a cushion for the shrimp, keeping everything balanced and adding a fresh crunch.
Add the crispy shrimp. Pile them on, but don’t overcrowd the taco. You want room for everything else.
Drizzle on that bang bang sauce. Be generous. This is where the magic happens.
Finish with fresh toppings. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, maybe even a few diced tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy.

Can You Make These Shrimp Tacos Healthier?

Of course! If you want a lighter version, you’ve got options:

Air fry the shrimp. Coat them as usual, then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use Greek yogurt in the sauce. Swap half (or all) of the mayo for Greek yogurt to cut down on fat.
Skip the breading. If you’re going low-carb, toss the shrimp in a bit of oil and seasoning, then pan-sear instead of frying.
Go lettuce wrap style. Swap tortillas for crunchy lettuce cups to cut carbs even more.

bang bang shrimp tacos on a white plate and sides

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

Tacos are always best fresh, but if you’re planning ahead, here’s what you can do:

Make the sauce and slaw in advance. Both keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Bread the shrimp early, but fry last-minute. You can coat the shrimp and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
Reheat like a pro. If you have leftovers, reheat the shrimp in an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy. The microwave? Not your friend here.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These tacos can stand on their own, but if you’re making a full meal, here are a few great sides:

Mexican street corn salad – Sweet, smoky, and creamy, it’s the perfect pairing.
Cilantro-lime rice – Light and fresh, it balances out the richness of the tacos.
Pico de gallo or mango salsa – A bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Crispy tortilla chips and guac – Because chips and guac make everything better.’

The Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
½ cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Slaw:

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembling the Tacos:

8 small flour or corn tortillas
Diced tomatoes
Additional chopped cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth. Adjust spiciness by varying the Sriracha.
Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the shrimp, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Slaw:
- In a large bowl, combine green and purple cabbage, cilantro, and green onions. In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Bread the Shrimp:
- In one shallow dish, place cornstarch. In another, place panko breadcrumbs. Remove shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, then in panko, pressing lightly to adhere.
Fry the Shrimp:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Toss Shrimp in Sauce:
- Gently toss the fried shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or over an open flame. Place a generous spoonful of creamy cilantro-lime slaw on each tortilla, followed by 2-3 Bang Bang shrimp. Top with diced tomatoes and additional cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For a healthier version, consider air-frying the breaded shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Adjust the heat level of the sauce by modifying the amount of Sriracha.
To save time, pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be used for the slaw.

This recipe combines the crispy texture of fried shrimp with a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce and a refreshing cilantro-lime slaw, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Want to Make These Again and Again

Bang bang shrimp tacos aren’t just another taco recipe—they’re a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes. Crunchy, creamy, spicy, sweet, tangy… every bite has a little bit of everything. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something special, these tacos bring the kind of bold, satisfying flavors that make people ask, “When are we having this again?”

Spoiler alert: It’ll probably be sooner than you think.