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Crispy Firecracker Shrimp Tacos Recipe with Easy Spicy Sriracha Slaw

crispy firecracker shrimp tacos - featured image

These crispy firecracker shrimp tacos feature insanely crispy shrimp with a zesty kick, paired with a creamy, spicy sriracha slaw that balances the flavors perfectly. Quick and fuss-free, they are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible for best flavor)
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) cold sparkling water
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola preferred)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for squeezing over the top)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and slowly pour in the cold sparkling water while stirring gently until smooth and slightly thick batter forms.
  3. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat on medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a drop of batter sizzles immediately.
  4. Dip shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep warm in a low oven while frying remaining shrimp.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage with julienned carrot. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
  6. Heat tortillas on a dry skillet or over a gas flame for about 20 seconds per side until warm and pliable.
  7. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 crispy shrimp on each tortilla, topping with spicy sriracha slaw, garnishing with cilantro if desired, and finishing with a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Keep the sparkling water cold to maintain a light and crispy batter. Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding and soggy shrimp. Drain fried shrimp well on paper towels. Adjust sriracha and honey in slaw to taste. Warm tortillas before assembling for easier folding. For gluten-free, substitute flour with rice or almond flour; for dairy-free, use vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, firecracker shrimp, spicy sriracha slaw, crispy shrimp, easy tacos, quick dinner, seafood tacos