If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s both impressive and easy, these Healthier Shrimp Bang Bang Tacos are exactly what you need! I began making these when I was pregnant, and they became a staple because of how easy they are.
The star of the show is the bang bang sauce, made with just three simple ingredients: Greek yogurt, Thai chili sauce, and soy sauce. It’s creamy, spicy, and tangy. The perfect balance without any heavy mayo (although if you want to use that instead of Greek yogurt, you definitely can!).
The tacos are finished with a crisp cabbage slaw that adds freshness and crunch, complementing the shrimp. The shrimp cooks up in minutes, making this a meal you can throw together even on a busy night, but it still feels elevated and restaurant-worthy.
With minimal prep, a handful of pantry staples, and big flavor in every bite, these tacos are a new go-to for anyone who loves healthy, bold, and easy-to-make meals.
How to Make the Cabbage Slaw
The slaw for these tacos is simple, creamy, and crunchy! The perfect complement to the spicy shrimp.
Start with shredded cabbage. You can use a handy cabbage shredder (which is fairly inexpensive online and makes the process super quick) or simply thinly slice the cabbage with a knife if you don’t have one.
Once shredded, toss the cabbage with a pinch of salt and pepper and a small amount of Kewpie mayo. The mayo adds just enough creaminess to bind the slaw without overpowering the fresh crunch of the cabbage. You can shred the cabbage before cooking the shrimp, but I recommend adding the kewpie right before serving so that the slaw stays nice and crisp.
And that’s it! In just a few minutes, you’ll have a crisp, flavorful slaw ready to top your shrimp tacos.
Shrimp Seasoning Ingredients:
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp and balances all the other seasonings.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle depth to complement the creaminess of the bang bang sauce.
- Onion Powder: Brings a sweet, savory note that enhances the overall umami of the shrimp without overpowering it.
- Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and aromatic richness, pairing perfectly with the paprika and sauce.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color, making the shrimp visually appealing while boosting flavor.
- Avocado or Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick, keeps the shrimp tender during cooking, and adds a hint of richness.
Healthier Shrimp Bang Bang Tacos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These Healthier Shrimp Bang Bang Tacos are crispy, spicy, and creamy, with tender seasoned shrimp, a crunchy cabbage slaw, and a simple three-ingredient bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (any fat percentage)
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce (adjust to desired spice preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for added creaminess/richness)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 1/4 head green cabbage
- 1/4 head purple cabbage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp Kewpie mayo (adjust to desired taste preference)
For Assembly:
- 6–8 small corn tortillas
- Cilantro (optional; for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and optional mayonnaise until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
- Use a cabbage shredder or a knife to thinly slice the cabbage. Set aside.
- Toss shrimp with avocado or olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 – 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Just before assembling, toss the shredded cabbage with salt, pepper, and a little Kewpie mayo.
- Warm the corn tortillas, then layer with the bang bang sauce, cabbage slaw, and cooked shrimp. Optionally top with cilantro and more bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
These were delicious!!
Glad to hear! Thanks Lynn!