Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Thai Together with a Mexican Classic

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Do you ever crave a certain fusion food? Maybe you think “I want Thai” but also “I could go for tacos”… well, look no further! These rainbow babies are bursting with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that make two culinary cultures collide. As an easy handheld meal, Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for a night in with the family, or a picnic lunch with friends. There’s a little something in them for everyone!

To really go “full send” with this recipe, I suggest turning your next Taco Tuesday into a DIY party. Invite your loved ones, or even someone local in need, to experience the fusion of two cultures in a delicious (and nutritious) way.

Are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Healthy?

Traditionally, Bang Bang Shrimp is made with a mayonnaise-based sauce, but this recipe calls for Greek yogurt instead; adding even more protein to an already protein-packed dish. As always, I recommend getting the freshest herbs and produce locally to ensure the meal is high quality and delicious. Fresh cilantro is especially fragrant and will bring the whole meal together way better than dried.

Since it uses corn tortillas, this recipe is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Also, the shrimp can be easily swapped with tofu or cauliflower to accommodate vegetarians.

What is Fusion Food?

Fusion food typically refers to a meal like this one that brings various kinds of ingredients together from different cultures. It’s a kind of culinary harmony. Today, there are fusion restaurants all around the world, but especially in the West since we tend to be a “melting pot.” Making meals like this certainly puts me in awe… after all, how blessed are we to have access to different kinds of ingredients from cultures all around the world?

Other examples of fusion food include (but aren’t limited to) Asian crepes, Moroccan mac and cheese, or taco pizza. Play with more recipes like this and who knows! Maybe you’ll invent the next popular fusion food in your community…

INGREDIENTS

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sriracha, or to taste
1 lime, juiced
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
8 small corn tortillas
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauce

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Cook

Sauté shrimp until pink.

Assemble

Fill tortillas with slaw, shrimp, and sauce.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

The slaw can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to a day prior to assembling the tacos, but I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh the day of serving.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight fridge-safe containers for 2-3 days. If you’re able to, store the taco shells separately from the slaw and shrimp to prevent sogginess.

“Yum Yum” vs. “Bang Bang” Sauce

While both Asian sauces are creamy and typically mayonnaise-based, “Yum Yum” sauce is more savory because of the tomato. “Bang Bang” sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and spicy because of the Thai chili sauce.

Tips for the Shrimp

Before cooking, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure the highest levels of crispiness. To increase this effect, you can also coat the raw shrimp in cornstarch. When sautéing, make sure to cook them on both sides until they’re light pink.

Serving Suggestions

While these tasty tacos go great on their own, they light up even more with a side of Avocado Fries. Alternatively, for the same boost of superfood ‘cados, you could top your tacos with The Best Guacamole Ever. (Yes, really.)

For drink options, there are some really delicioso choices that can bring even more color to the party! You could try this fresh and smoky Mezcal Paloma Cocktail or The Best Classic Margarita, a traditional and zesty beverage.

Oh, and of course… don’t forget the lime wedges!