Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Dynamite Shrimp)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8 tacos (or 12 smaller tacos)
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Calories
362 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Dynamite Shrimp)
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos consist of large shrimp marinated in a buttermilk mixture seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. After marinating, the shrimp are coated in cornstarch and deep-fried in hot oil until crispy and golden. A creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha coats the shrimp, adding a sweet-spicy kick often associated with dynamite-style preparations. The tacos are assembled with warmed corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, diced tomato, and chopped cilantro, providing textural contrast and fresh flavors.
The frying process yields shrimp that are crunchy outside and tender inside, while the sauce adds creaminess balanced by heat and sweetness. The cabbage adds crunch and a slight bitterness that complements the richness of the shrimp and sauce. This foil combination makes the tacos suitable for casual meals or gatherings, offering a finger-food style preparation with layered flavors.
If storing or preparing ahead, be mindful that the shrimp should be served soon after coating with sauce to preserve their crispiness. The recipe's nutritional estimates note that oil absorption may vary, affecting calorie calculations. Using buttermilk for marinating helps keep the shrimp tender and enhances coating adherence.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Shrimp:
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed, large
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup corn starch
- peanut oil or canola oil for frying shrimp
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3 tsp sriracha hot sauce or to taste
Taco Toppings:
- 8 to 12 corn tortillas or Hard Taco Shells, small, white
- 3 cups purple cabbage thinly sliced, or green cabbage
- 1 tomato diced, medium
- 1/4 cup cilantro coarsely chopped
Instructions
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp:
- In a small bowl, stir together Bang Bang Sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Make the marinade by combining buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder. Pour over peeled and deviled shrimp and stir to coat. Set aside while you start preheating your oil.
- Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting excess marinade drip off. Dip both sides in cornstarch until fully coated, tap off the excess and arrange breaded shrimp on a platter.
- Heat 1 1/2” of oil in a dutch oven or pot to 375˚F. Fry shrimp in 3 batches, cooking for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, crispy and cooked through (turn halfway if needed). Use a strainer to transfer shrimp to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl and drizzle half of the sauce over warm shrimp. Toss gently until shrimp are coated and rest for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
- Lightly toast corn tortillas on a griddle, skillet for 30 seconds per side, or over a gas flame if you want some charring.
- Add desired taco toppings, top with 2-3 shrimp per taco and drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp tails are removed and shrimp are well-coated but not dripping before dredging in cornstarch to prevent clumping during frying.
- Fry shrimp in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and avoid sogginess.
- Serve tacos soon after assembling to keep the shrimp crispy and cabbage fresh.
- Nutritional information is approximate due to variation in oil absorption during frying.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8tacos (or 12 smaller tacos)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 362 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 362kcal | 18% |
| Carbs | 30g | |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 150mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 744mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 242mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 571IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 140mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.