Shrimp Tacos

There’s something special about Shrimp Tacos that brings back the warmth of summer days, even in the middle of winter. I remember the first time I made them; it was a sun-soaked afternoon, the grill was fired up, and the aroma of fresh seafood danced in the air. The idea of combining perfectly seasoned shrimp with vibrant toppings encapsulated a carefree spirit. My friends gathered around, eager to try these little parcels of joy, and as we feasted, laughter filled the air. The simplicity of shrimp tacos makes them an easy go-to for any gathering, and they always leave you craving more. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner, these tacos never disappoint. Their bright flavors and fresh ingredients make them a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. I love how versatile they are, allowing you to customize with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Ingredients for Shrimp Tacos

When it comes to Shrimp Tacos, the ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite. The key players include fresh shrimp, which is the star of the show, and vibrant toppings that bring everything to life.

• 1 pound medium shrimp (about 45 shrimp, peeled and deveined)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or use additional olive oil)
• 1 to 2 limes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 large avocado, thinly sliced
• Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• Cooking spray (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 of a large bunch cilantro (1 cup loosely packed)
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less spice)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular, full fat)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Making This Shrimp Tacos

Creating Shrimp Tacos is an enjoyable process that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas. I recommend prepping everything before you start cooking for a seamless experience. Your taste buds will be dancing in anticipation!

1. Start by patting both sides of the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a great sear.
2. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
3. In a large pan, melt butter along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. The combination of fats helps to achieve a rich flavor.
4. Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding. This ensures they cook evenly. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them on a cutting board. Take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma that fills the air. Cut off the tails once they are cool enough to handle.
6. If you like, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp for an extra burst of flavor. It complements the spices beautifully.
7. Zest and juice the limes to extract about 1 teaspoon of zest and 4 tablespoons of juice. This will be the base for your sauce.
8. In a small blender or mini food processor, combine all the sauce ingredients with the lime zest and juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, then blend until smooth. Taste and adjust accordingly, refrigerating it until you’re ready to serve.
9. Take 1/2 cup of the cilantro-lime sauce and mix it with the shredded green cabbage until well combined. This slaw adds a delightful crunch to your tacos.
10. Optionally, spray the tortillas with cooking spray on both sides, and grill them on the stovetop over an open flame until slightly charred, or warm them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel.
11. Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Fill each tortilla generously with the slaw, followed by the shrimp and slices of avocado. Drizzle more sauce on top, and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a refreshing finish.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about Shrimp Tacos is that they can be tailored to your liking. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity as you prepare this dish:

• Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Switch Up the Proteins: Try swapping shrimp for grilled fish or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
• Experiment with Sauces: Use mango salsa or a chipotle crema if you want to change the flavor profile.
• Fresh Veggies: Add toppings like diced tomatoes, radishes, or pickled onions for added texture and taste.
• Serving Styles: Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal, or enjoy them as a light lunch.
• Garnish with Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled cheese can provide a delightful creaminess to the tacos.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat carefully to maintain the texture of the shrimp.

Pairing Suggestions for Shrimp Tacos

When it comes to serving Shrimp Tacos, the options are plentiful and delightful. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Fresh Salsa: A vibrant salsa can accompany your tacos beautifully. Consider a pico de gallo or a refreshing mango salsa for a sweet twist.
• Side Dishes: Serve with sides like seasoned black beans or a zesty corn salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Occasion-Based Serving: These tacos are perfect for casual gatherings, taco nights, or even a fun summer fiesta.
• Beverage Pairing: Light beverages such as iced tea or a refreshing lemonade complement the flavors wonderfully.
• Seasonal Flavors: Consider adding seasonal vegetables or toppings to keep things fresh and exciting.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any filling left, store it separately from the tortillas to avoid sogginess.
• Casual Dining: Enjoy them as a light lunch, or serve them at your next BBQ for a crowd-pleasing hit.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Shrimp Tacos bring a delightful burst of flavor and are perfect for any occasion. With their fresh ingredients and vibrant toppings, it’s a dish that you simply must try. I encourage you to whip up a batch, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the joy these tacos bring to the table.

Shrimp Tacos

The ultimate summer dish is here! Shrimp Tacos are packed with fresh flavors and crispy textures, making them a must-try for any taco lover. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos will awaken your taste buds and become a family favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound medium shrimp about 45 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or use additional olive oil
• 1 to 2 limes optional
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 large avocado thinly sliced
• 1 Corn tortillas or flour tortillas
• 1 Cooking spray optional
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 of a large bunch cilantro 1 cup loosely packed
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped jalapeño remove seeds for less spice
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise regular, full fat
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Equipment

• Large pan
• Small blender or food processor

Method

 

1. Pat both sides of the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss in a large bowl with garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 8 hours). In a large pan, melt butter and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Add shrimp in a single layer and sauté until they just turn pink, flipping halfway, 2 to 4 minutes total depending on their size. Remove from heat and set on a cutting board. Cut off the tails. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the shrimp.
3. Zest and juice limes to get 1 teaspoon zest and 4 tablespoons juice. In a small blender or mini food processor, combine all the sauce ingredients. Add salt and pepper (or to taste) and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust to preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Remove 1/2 cup of cilantro-lime sauce and toss it with the shredded green cabbage to combine.
5. Optional: Spray tortillas (both sides) with cooking spray and grill on the stovetop over an open flame until slightly charred. Alternatively, warm tortillas in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel.
6. Fill tortillas with a generous serving of slaw, shrimp, and fresh avocado. Drizzle more sauce on top and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

• Storage: Store the spiced shrimp, chopped cabbage, and sauce in the fridge. Cut the avocado when you’re ready to assemble.

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