Description
Zesty Mexican shrimp tacos deliver a spectacular flavor explosion that dances across palates. Crisp tortillas, succulent spiced shrimp, and fresh garnishes create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Additional Components:
- 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as sriracha)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos
- Optional toppings: crumbled cotija cheese
- Optional toppings: additional cilantro
- Optional toppings: lime wedges
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel. Tumble the shrimp through the mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating.
- Activate a large skillet over robust heat. Distribute seasoned shrimp in a uniform layer, allowing each piece to sear for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until transforming into a vibrant pink and achieving complete doneness. Transfer cooked shrimp to a holding plate.
- Construct a tangy slaw by combining shredded cabbage with freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Massage ingredients thoroughly, permitting flavors to harmonize for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Whip together sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, and a delicate salt pinch until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Calibrate heat intensity by incrementally introducing additional hot sauce.
- Gently revive tortillas through quick heating in a dry skillet for roughly 30 seconds per side, alternatively utilizing a damp paper towel for microwave technique to enhance pliability.
- Layer each tortilla with prepared slaw, nestle seared shrimp on top, and adorn with avocado slices. Crown with spicy crema drizzle and optional complementary garnishes. Present alongside lime wedges for personalized zesting.
Notes
- Prep Shrimp in Advance: Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and ensure a more robust taste profile.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and hot sauce quantities to match personal heat preferences, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy lovers.
- Protein Swap Options: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for alternative protein choices that maintain the recipe’s vibrant flavor palette.
- Quick Slaw Tip: Allow cilantro-lime slaw to rest longer than 10 minutes for deeper flavor development, potentially preparing it in advance for better taste integration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 56g
- Cholesterol: 120mg