Shrimp Tacos

These easy Shrimp Tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner. Packed with fresh flavors and quick to prepare, these tacos feature juicy shrimp paired with a zesty slaw, making them a delightful choice for taco lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up these shrimp tacos in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vibrant veggies and homemade slaw, each bite bursts with flavor and freshness.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your tacos with a variety of toppings like avocado, cheese, and jalapeños to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories yet high in protein, these shrimp tacos are a guilt-free indulgence.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing these shrimp tacos easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the shrimp, ensuring they turn out perfectly tender.
• Mixing Bowl: Use this for combining the slaw ingredients, making it easy to toss everything together evenly.

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Shrimp

• 2 pounds shrimp (shells/tails removed and deveined)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

For Serving

• 12 corn tortillas (warmed)
• Cheese: Cotija or Queso Fresco (crumbled)
• Cilantro Lime Crema (Mexican Crema or Sour Cream)
• Avocado or Guacamole
• Pico De Gallo
• Cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Lime Wedges

How to Make Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage and diced red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss well until all ingredients are coated evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the shrimp to the skillet.
3. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the shrimp.
4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm corn tortillas in another skillet or microwave.
2. On each tortilla, layer cooked shrimp followed by slaw.
3. Top with crumbled cheese, cilantro lime crema, avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges as desired.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious shrimp tacos immediately while they’re hot! Enjoy them at gatherings or as a satisfying meal any day of the week.

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos

Serving shrimp tacos is all about creating a vibrant and flavorful experience. With a variety of toppings and sides, you can customize each taco to suit your taste. Here are some great suggestions for serving these delightful shrimp tacos.

Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an extra zesty flavor.
• Jalapeños: For those who like heat, sliced jalapeños add a spicy kick.

Creamy Additions

• Cilantro Lime Crema: This creamy sauce enhances each bite with tangy flavor.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado lends richness and balances the spices.

Crunchy Components

• Pico De Gallo: A fresh salsa that adds crunch and acidity, brightening up the dish.
• Cheese: Crumbled Cotija or Queso Fresco adds a savory touch to your tacos.

Tortilla Choices

• Corn Tortillas: Warmed corn tortillas provide a classic base that holds all the goodness inside.

How to Perfect Shrimp Tacos

Creating the perfect shrimp tacos involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your taco game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture in your tacos.
• Marinate the Shrimp: Allowing the shrimp to marinate in Cajun seasoning boosts its taste.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas make them pliable and more enjoyable to eat.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they are opaque for optimal tenderness.
• Customize Your Slaw: Experiment with different slaw ingredients for added crunch and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Tacos

Pairing side dishes with shrimp tacos can take your meal to another level. Here are some excellent options that complement these tasty tacos beautifully.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in cheese, mayo, and chili powder makes a great side.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, diced peppers, and lime dressing adds protein and fiber.
3. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices pairs well with the flavors of shrimp tacos.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa are always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add color and nutrition to your meal.
6. Guacamole Dip: Serve extra guacamole as a dip for chips or as an addition to your tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for making the best Shrimp Tacos. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the shrimp properly can lead to bland tacos. Use Cajun seasoning generously to enhance the flavor.
• Neglecting the slaw: A lack of fresh slaw can make your tacos less vibrant. Always include a crunchy slaw for texture and freshness.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can break easily and ruin the experience. Always warm your corn tortillas before assembling the tacos.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Aim for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
• Forgetting toppings: Leaving out toppings like avocado, cheese, or salsa diminishes flavor. Customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Shrimp Tacos

• Wrap assembled tacos tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Shrimp Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add tacos, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make shrimp tacos?

To make shrimp tacos, season shrimp with Cajun spices, sauté them briefly, and assemble with slaw and toppings in warmed tortillas.

What toppings go well with shrimp tacos?

Great toppings include avocado, cilantro lime crema, crumbled cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp tacos?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them completely before cooking.

Are shrimp tacos healthy?

Shrimp tacos can be healthy as they are high in protein and low in carbs. Add fresh veggies for extra nutrients!

Final Thoughts

These Shrimp Tacos are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors that scream summer! Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal!

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Shrimp Tacos

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 (12 tacos) 1x

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Description

Indulge in these easy Shrimp Tacos that are bursting with fresh flavors and can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to casual weeknight dinners, these tacos feature tender shrimp seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, paired with a crunchy purple cabbage slaw. Customizable with an array of toppings like creamy avocado, tangy cilantro lime crema, and fresh pico de gallo, they offer a delightful culinary experience for taco lovers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a family meal, these shrimp tacos are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs shrimp (deveined)
• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Fresh lime juice
• Assorted toppings (avocado, cheese, cilantro, jalapeños)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage and diced red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Toss well.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil. Once hot, add shrimp and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Warm tortillas in another skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by layering shrimp and slaw on each tortilla.
4. Top with your choice of cheese, crema, avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco (approx. 100g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 160mg