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Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos

Quick and flavorful Shrimp Tacos featuring perfectly seasoned juicy shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with fresh cabbage slaw, lime, cilantro, and creamy avocado or sour cream. Ready in 20 minutes, these tacos offer bold, smoky-spiced shrimp balanced with bright, crunchy toppings for a satisfying and adaptable meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasonings

  • Medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings and Fillings

  • Small corn or flour tortillas (8-12)
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 avocado or 1/2 cup guacamole
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shrimp: Rinse and pat the shrimp dry. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This seasoning blend imparts a vibrant smoky and slightly spicy flavor perfect for tacos.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
  3. Prepare the Slaw: While shrimp cook, combine shredded cabbage with fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped cilantro. The lime brightens the slaw, creating a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable, enhancing the overall taco experience with softness and flavor.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Place several shrimp on each warm tortilla, add a spoonful of cabbage slaw, top with avocado or a dollop of sour cream/yogurt if using, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, and finish with a squeeze of lime for a burst of brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure even searing.
  • Let cooked shrimp rest briefly before assembling the tacos to retain juiciness.
  • Adjust chili powder or add hot sauce to customize the heat level.
  • Prep cabbage slaw and other toppings ahead of time to save time on busy days.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, quick shrimp recipe, easy tacos, gluten free shrimp tacos, Mexican seafood tacos