What is a hug in a tortilla? I remember the first time I had shrimp tacos – it was at a little beach shack on the Baja peninsula during a family vacation. When the sun was setting, the waves were crashing, and these tacos… they were just magical. What are some good fish taco recipes? What’s a symphony of flavors, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight?
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What is Shrimp Tacos?
Think of shrimp tacos as a delightful fusion of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and a kick of spice, all nestled within a warm, soft tortilla. It’s a portable party in your mouth! You start with succulent shrimp, seasoned to perfection and cooked until plump and juicy. Then you pile it high with a crunchy, tangy slaw and a creamy sauce. All of this gets tucked into a tortilla, usually corn or flour, and devoured with gusto. The magic is in the combination of textures and flavors – the tender shrimp, the crisp slaw, the smooth sauce, and the soft tortilla all working together in harmony. What are some of the best shrimp taco recipes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this shrimp taco recipe is that it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without all the fuss. What is the best combination of shrimp, lime sauce, and cilantro? * **Super Easy to Make:** Don’t let the fancy flavors fool you. This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the shrimp cooks in just a few minutes. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. * **Budget-Friendly:** Shrimp can be expensive, but you really don’t need a ton for this recipe. Plus, the other ingredients are relatively inexpensive. I often buy frozen shrimp when it’s on sale and keep it on hand just for this recipe. **Totally Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Want more spice? What are some good ways to use up leftover veggies in your fridge? If you’re a fan of tacos in general, you’ll also love my black bean tacos or my slow cooker carnitas tacos. But trust me, these shrimp tacos are in a league of their own!
How do I make Shrimp Tacos?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make shrimp tacos? What’s the best way to make a quick and easy slaw with a creamy cilantro lime sauce? What is the best part? You can customize almost every element to your liking!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer medium or large)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Slaw:
* 4 cups shredded cabbage (I like a mix of green and red).
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option) * 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is Cilantro-Lime Sauce?
* 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt to taste
For Serving:
* 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
* Lime wedges
* Optional toppings: avocado slices, chopped red onion, hot sauce, and arugula.
What is the best step by step
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp is evenly coated with the spices. I always let it sit for about 10 minutes to really let those flavors meld together.
Step 2: Make the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. What’s your favorite way to make cabbage slaw?
Step 3: Make the Cilantro-Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and season with salt to taste. If you want it thinner, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they’ll become tough.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven. I usually pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but a dry skillet gives them a nice char.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of slaw on each tortilla. Top with the cooked shrimp and a drizzle of cilantro-lime sauce. I always finish mine with a squeeze of fresh lime juice!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
What are the best shrimp tacos to serve with lime wedges?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of my favorite ways to serve shrimp tacos? ** Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa. A simple black bean salad also goes really well. What’s a good taco night without the margaritas? Can you serve mini shrimp tacos as an appetizer at your next party? My family loves when I add grilled corn on the cob to the side. It’s the perfect complement to the spicy shrimp and slaw.
How do I make Shrimp Tacos?
What are some tricks to take shrimp tacos from good to amazing? Overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery. Cook just until it turns pink and opaque. It should only take a few minutes per side. The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor. Use fresh lime juice, cilantro, and cabbage for the best results. You can really taste the difference. ** Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings. Add more chili powder for extra spice, or more lime juice for a tangier flavor. The key is to find the perfect balance for your taste buds. * **Warm the Tortillas Properly:** Warm tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to fill and fold. Plus, warm tortillas just taste better! What are some good toppings for tacos? * **Get Creative with Toppings:** Avocado slices, chopped red onion, pickled onions, hot sauce, crumbled cotija cheese… the possibilities are endless! I tried adding a mango salsa to these, and it was a total game changer. The sweetness of the mango paired perfectly with the spicy shrimp.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have leftover shrimp tacos (which is rare in my house! ), here’s how to store and reheat them: * **Storing the Components Separately: What is the best way to store leftover shrimp tacos? ** Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. * **Slaw:** Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. * **Cilantro-Lime Sauce:** Store the cilantro-lime sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. ** Store tortillas in a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. I usually toss it in a skillet with a little olive oil for a minute or two. Be careful not to overcook it! When you’re ready to eat, simply warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with the reheated shrimp, slaw, and cilantro-lime sauce. I don’t recommend freezing shrimp tacos, as the texture of the shrimp and slaw can change. If you really want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Final Thoughts
What’s your go-to shrimp taco recipe? What are the best tacos for a weeknight dinner? What’s your favorite taco recipe? What are your favorite toppings? Happy cooking, friends!
How to Make Heavenly Grilled Fish Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 1.5 pounds white fish fillets such as cod or tilapia
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For the Avocado Salsa
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1 pinch sea salt to taste
For Assembly
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 sliced jalapeño optional
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the fish fillets and coat them evenly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side until opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
- In a separate bowl, mix the avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt to make the salsa.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side.
- Assemble the tacos by adding a piece of grilled fish on a tortilla, topping with avocado salsa, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapeños. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.
