DINNER

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas: 1 AMAZING Recipe

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas have become my absolute go-to for a quick and incredibly flavorful meal, and I’m so excited to share this spicy shrimp tostada recipe with you! I remember the first time I tried a version of this dish at a local spot – the explosion of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors on a crispy base was pure magic. Now, I’ve perfected my own take on these easy Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas, and they never fail to impress my family and friends. The combination of succulent, crispy shrimp, fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and that signature sweet and spicy sauce is just irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

An explosion of flavor: The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy makes these irresistible.
Incredibly quick prep: You can whip up this spicy shrimp tostada recipe in under an hour!
Family-friendly appeal: Even picky eaters love the crispy shrimp and familiar flavors.
Budget-friendly to make: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
Versatile and customizable: Easily adjust spice levels or add your favorite toppings.
A crowd-pleaser for any occasion: Perfect as an appetizer or a light dinner.
This spicy shrimp tostada recipe is a guaranteed hit for weeknights.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada Ingredients

Gathering the right Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada ingredients is half the fun! For the star of the show, you’ll need 1 lb raw deveined peeled shrimp, which cook up beautifully. To marinate them, grab 1 cup buttermilk, plus 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and of course, salt to taste and pepper to taste. For that irresistible crispy coating, have 1/2 cup cornstarch ready. You’ll also need canola oil for frying. For the tostada base, pick up 8 corn tortillas. The fresh toppings include 2 avocados for creamy guacamole, 1 tomato, chopped, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/4 onion, chopped, 1 jalapeno, chopped, 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Finally, for the signature sauce, you’ll need 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 1-2 tbsp sriracha for that perfect kick.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

Step 1: Let’s start by getting our crispy bases ready. You can either fry your corn tortillas in about 1/2 inch of hot canola oil until they’re golden brown and delightfully crispy, or for a slightly healthier option, bake them. To bake, brush both sides of the tortillas lightly with oil and place them on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re firm and slightly golden.
Step 2: While the tortillas are doing their thing, let’s marinate the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the raw deveined peeled shrimp with the buttermilk, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure every shrimp is coated. Let them soak in this flavorful marinade for about 10-15 minutes – this is key to tender, juicy shrimp.
Step 3: Now for the fresh toppings that make these Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas so vibrant. To make the guacamole, mash the avocados in a bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped tomato, chopped onion, chopped jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and that essential splash of lime juice. Season with salt to your liking. For the pico de gallo, simply combine diced tomatoes, bell pepper, minced onion, chopped garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl.
Step 4: It’s time to coat our shrimp! Drain the excess buttermilk from the marinated shrimp and toss them in the cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This is what gives them that incredible crispy texture when fried.
Step 5: Heat your canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the cornstarch-coated shrimp, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and look perfectly crispy! Remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 6: Let’s whip up that signature sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy. Taste it and add more sriracha if you want an extra kick – this is how you make Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas truly sing!
Step 7: Time to assemble these beauties! Spread a generous layer of your fresh guacamole onto each crispy tortilla. Top with the perfectly fried shrimp, followed by a spoonful of pico de gallo. Drizzle generously with the creamy Bang Bang sauce, reserving a little for that final touch. These Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas are now ready to be devoured!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada Sauce Recipe

The magic truly happens with the sauce! Creating this signature Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada sauce recipe is remarkably simple and elevates your spicy shrimp tostada to a whole new level. I love how easily it comes together, transforming basic ingredients into something truly special. You’ll need just a few pantry staples to whip up this creamy, tangy, and perfectly spicy concoction. It’s the key to that delightful “bang bang” flavor profile everyone raves about. For more sauce ideas, check out these tasty sauce recipes.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
Add 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce for that touch of sweetness.
Whisk in 1-2 tbsp sriracha. Start with one tablespoon if you prefer a milder heat, or add the full two for a real kick – it’s up to you!
Mix everything together until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the sriracha if needed to achieve your perfect spicy shrimp tostada with creamy sauce experience.
Reserve any extra sauce for drizzling over the finished tostadas.

Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

Want to elevate your Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas from great to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada cooking tips will ensure your dish is a hit every single time, delivering that perfect crunch and creamy, spicy flavor. For more cooking advice, consider these helpful cooking tips.

For the crispiest tostada shells, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the tortillas. If it’s not hot enough, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp. Fry them in batches to ensure each piece gets perfectly golden and crispy, rather than steaming in the pan.
Taste and adjust your Bang Bang sauce before assembling. The sweetness from the chili sauce and the heat from the sriracha can be tweaked to your personal preference.
Prep your toppings and sauce before you start frying the shrimp. This way, you can assemble the tostadas immediately after the shrimp is cooked, keeping everything fresh and the shells nice and crisp.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas: 1 AMAZING Recipe - Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?

The real secret to perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas is achieving that ideal balance of textures and flavors. Ensuring your shrimp is coated well in cornstarch before frying creates that signature crispy exterior, while the creamy, spicy sauce ties everything together for that amazing crispy shrimp tostada with bang bang sauce experience. Learning about the science of cooking can help achieve these results, as discussed in this article on the science of cooking.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas ahead of time?

You can prepare some components ahead of time to make assembly quicker. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The pico de gallo and guacamole are best made closer to serving time, but can also hold for a few hours refrigerated.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?

A common pitfall is soggy tostada shells; ensure your oil is hot enough when frying or bake them until truly crisp. Another mistake is overcrowding the pan when frying the shrimp, which leads to them steaming instead of crisping. Lastly, don’t skip tasting and adjusting the Bang Bang sauce – it’s crucial for the flavor! For more tips on frying, you might find this guide on deep frying helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

These vibrant Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas are incredibly versatile and make for fantastic Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada appetizer ideas or a light, satisfying dinner. For a party, serve them buffet-style with all the toppings laid out so guests can customize their own. Some of my favorite Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada toppings include shredded lettuce for crunch, a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty kick, or even a dollop of sour cream to cool the spice. You can find more appetizer ideas here.

Appetizer Spread: Arrange 2-3 tostadas per person on a platter, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Light Dinner: Serve two tostadas per person with a side of black beans or a simple corn salad.
Taco Bar Style: Set out bowls of all the components and let everyone build their own perfect tostada.

Nutrition Facts for Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delicious serving of these Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

Properly storing your Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas is key to enjoying them later, especially if you’ve made extra. Once assembled, they’re best eaten fresh for maximum crunch. However, if you have leftovers, it’s best to store the components separately. Allow any cooked shrimp and the Bang Bang sauce to cool completely before placing them in airtight containers. Store these in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crispy tostada shells should be stored separately in a dry, airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. You can also freeze the cooked shrimp and the sauce for up to 3 months, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. For more storage tips, see these food storage tips.

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until heated through. Reheat the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Re-crisp the tostada shells in a toaster oven or a dry skillet. Then, reassemble your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas

What are Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas are a delightful fusion dish featuring crispy corn tortillas topped with succulent, seasoned shrimp, and finished with a creamy, spicy sauce. They offer a wonderful contrast in textures, from the crunchy tortilla to the tender shrimp, and a vibrant flavor profile that’s both zesty and satisfying.

What is the flavor profile of these Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?

The Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory notes. The shrimp itself is seasoned with chili, garlic, and onion powders. The star is the Bang Bang sauce, which balances the creaminess of mayonnaise with the sweetness of chili sauce and the heat of sriracha. Fresh toppings like pico de gallo and guacamole add brightness and a cooling element.

Can I make the shrimp spicier or milder?

Absolutely! The heat level is easily adjustable. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. If you love extra spice, feel free to add more sriracha to the sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade. Experiment to find your perfect level!

What are some alternative toppings for Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas?

Beyond the classic pico de gallo and guacamole, you can get creative with your toppings. Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while crumbled cotija or feta cheese can provide a salty contrast. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can offer a cooling counterpoint to the spice. Pickled red onions also add a fantastic tangy bite.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada Variations You Can Try

Looking to mix things up? These Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada variations offer exciting ways to enjoy this dish. Whether you’re catering to different dietary needs or just craving a new flavor combination, there’s a twist for everyone. I love experimenting with these ideas to keep our meals exciting! For more recipe variations, explore these recipe variations.

Baked Tostadas: For a lighter take, skip the frying and bake your corn tortillas until crisp. This is a fantastic way to enjoy these Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas with fewer calories.
Spicy Shrimp Tostada Bowls: If you’re not in the mood for tortillas, serve all the delicious components – the seasoned shrimp, fresh toppings, and creamy sauce – over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl.
Kid-Friendly Bang Bang Shrimp Tostadas: Tone down the heat for the little ones by using only a teaspoon of sriracha in the sauce and omitting the jalapeno in the pico de gallo. They’ll love the crispy shrimp and familiar flavors!
Mango Salsa Twist: Swap the pico de gallo for a fresh mango salsa. The sweet, tropical flavor of mango pairs beautifully with the spicy shrimp and creamy sauce, offering a delightful flavor profile.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia