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Crispy Shrimp Taco Recipe

Crispy Shrimp Taco Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Zesty shrimp tacos burst with Mexican coastal flavors, delivering a quick and fresh dining experience. Crisp tortillas, succulent seafood, and bold spices promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 12 tsp hot sauce (such as sriracha), to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, crumbled cotija cheese, additional cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Season Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated, ensuring each morsel absorbs the vibrant spice blend.
  2. Sear and Cook: In a blazing hot skillet, arrange shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a pink, succulent delicacy. Transfer to a holding plate.
  3. Craft Cilantro-Lime Slaw: Blend shredded cabbage with fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to marinate for 10 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize and intensify.
  4. Create Spicy Crema: Whisk sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust heat intensity by incorporating additional hot sauce to suit taste preferences.
  5. Prepare and Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Layer with cilantro-lime slaw, perfectly cooked shrimp, and creamy avocado slices. Drizzle generously with spicy crema and garnish with optional toppings. Serve alongside zesty lime wedges for an extra flavor punch.

Notes

  • Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and ensure more intense, balanced spice profile.
  • Watch cooking time carefully; shrimp cooks quickly and turns rubbery if left too long. Remove from heat immediately when pink and slightly curled.
  • Adjust hot sauce and chili powder to personal heat tolerance. Start with small amounts, taste, and gradually increase for desired spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
  • Prepare slaw ahead of time and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend and cabbage to slightly soften while maintaining crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg