Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from Bonefish Grill feature crispy, spicy shrimp tossed in creamy bang bang sauce, nestled in warm corn tortillas with fresh cabbage slaw and tangy lime crema, delivering a perfect blend of spicy, crunchy, and zesty flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan (optional, for warming tortillas)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter
- Citrus juicer (optional for lime)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Large shrimp should be peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor in this recipe. Combining an equal mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures the shrimp coating becomes crispy when fried. The bang bang sauce blends mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar to achieve its creamy and spicy profile. Fresh lime juice and zest add a zesty brightness that complements the shrimp and cabbage slaw perfectly. Your homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from the Bonefish Grill copycat menu will deliver the same spicy, crunchy, and tangy experience as the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and shrimp; marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar to make bang bang sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper for lime crema; set aside.
- Combine shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and green onions in a mixing bowl for slaw; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches, remove shrimp from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, and coat evenly.
- Fry shrimp in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
- Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Toss fried shrimp with bang bang sauce in a mixing bowl until well coated.
- Warm corn tortillas in a saucepan or directly on a skillet until pliable.
- Assemble tacos: lay warm tortillas on a platter, top with cabbage slaw, bang bang shrimp, and drizzle with lime crema.
- Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.
Substitution
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from Bonefish Grill copycat menu showcase crispy shrimp coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix, fried to golden perfection, and paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar to tenderize the shrimp effectively. Corn tortillas can be warmed on a skillet or in the oven to enhance their pliability and flavor, ensuring the tacos hold together well. For frying, vegetable oil is preferred, but avocado oil or canola oil can be used as alternatives due to their high smoke points. Your bang bang sauce can be adjusted in spice level by varying the Sriracha or sweet chili sauce amounts to suit your taste.
Tips
Ensure your vegetable oil maintains a consistent temperature of 350degF (175degC) to achieve perfectly crispy shrimp without absorbing excess oil. When marinating shrimp in buttermilk, do not exceed 20 minutes to avoid a mushy texture. Coat each shrimp evenly in the flour and cornstarch mixture for optimal crunch. Warm your corn tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and flexible for easy folding and eating.
Nutritions
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from Bonefish Grill provide a rich source of protein from the large shrimp, essential for muscle repair and growth. The dish also includes vegetables like green cabbage and carrots that add dietary fiber, promoting digestive health. The creamy bang bang sauce and lime crema contribute fats, including healthy fats from mayonnaise and sour cream, supporting nutrient absorption. Your meal delivers a balanced combination of macronutrients, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage
Store leftover bang bang shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain crispness and flavor. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature, or refrigerate if storing for more than a day. When reheating shrimp, gently warm in a frying pan to preserve crunch, and reassemble tacos just before serving to ensure your tacos stay fresh and delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend to make the shrimp coating suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. For a healthier twist, opt for baking the shrimp at 425degF (220degC) on a greased baking sheet for 12-15 minutes instead of frying. Incorporating mango or pineapple salsa instead of cabbage slaw will add a sweet, tropical contrast to the spicy shrimp. Swapping sour cream in the lime crema with Greek yogurt can lighten the sauce while maintaining creaminess.
Allergies
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos contain shellfish, which is a common allergen that may cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The creamy bang bang sauce includes mayonnaise and sour cream, both dairy products that could trigger allergies for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. Your caution is essential if you have sensitivities to shellfish, dairy, or any spices used in the seasoning blend.
Why this recipe?
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos from Bonefish Grill are celebrated for their crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce that delivers a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The tacos are paired with fresh slaw and warm tortillas, creating a delightful contrast of textures that enhances every bite. You will find making a copycat version rewarding, as it brings the signature bold taste and satisfying crunch of the original dish right into your home kitchen. Replicating this popular menu item allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience with customizable spice levels and freshness.