Shrimp Tacos

These Shrimp Tacos are a delightful and quick meal option that brings fresh flavors to your table in just 20 minutes! Perfect for any occasion, these tacos feature perfectly seasoned shrimp, a crunchy slaw, and a zesty cilantro lime crema. Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard gathering, you’ll find these shrimp tacos are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking, you can have delicious shrimp tacos ready in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, lime juice, and homemade crema elevate the flavor profile of these tacos.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with your favorites like avocado, pico de gallo, or jalapeños for a personal touch.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, these shrimp tacos make for a satisfying yet light meal.
• Perfect for Summer: These vibrant tacos are ideal for warm weather dining, bringing bright colors and flavors to your plate.

Tools and Preparation

To make these shrimp tacos successfully, you’ll need some essential tools for preparation. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your vegetables, making preparation quick and easy.
• Large skillet: This is essential for cooking the shrimp evenly while allowing enough space to avoid overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine ingredients for slaw or crema effortlessly.

Ingredients

These easy Shrimp Tacos With Slaw are packed with fresh flavors and only take 20 minutes to make! Each tortilla is filled with juicy, seasoned shrimp, homemade slaw, cilantro lime crema, and all your favorite toppings…making these shrimp tacos perfect for Summer!

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

Additional Ingredients

• 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

Start by combining the shredded cabbage and diced red onion in a mixing bowl.
1. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp.
3. Cook for about 3–4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the corn tortillas in another skillet or microwave until pliable.
2. Place a portion of cooked shrimp on each tortilla.
3. Top generously with slaw, cheese, cilantro lime crema, avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and garnish with lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Tacos!

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos

Serving shrimp tacos can be a fun and creative experience. With a variety of toppings and presentations, you can customize each taco to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to elevate your shrimp taco experience.

Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, sliced jalapeños offer a spicy kick.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or guacamole balances the flavors and adds richness.
• Pico De Gallo: This fresh salsa brings vibrant flavors and a touch of acidity.

Creative Serving Styles

• Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the ingredients laid out, allowing guests to build their own tacos.
• Plated Presentation: Serve tacos on a platter garnished with lime wedges for an elegant touch.
• Mini Taco Bites: Use smaller tortillas for bite-sized versions, perfect for appetizers at gatherings.

Accompanying Sauces

• Cilantro Lime Crema: Drizzle this creamy sauce over your tacos for added flavor and moisture.
• Hot Sauce Selection: Offer different hot sauces so everyone can choose their preferred spice level.

How to Perfect Shrimp Tacos

Creating the perfect shrimp tacos is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos shine.

• Bold Seasoning: Use Cajun seasoning generously on your shrimp to infuse them with flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh produce for your slaw and toppings; freshness makes a big difference.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas before filling them to enhance their flavor and pliability.
• Layer Wisely: Start with slaw at the bottom, then add shrimp, followed by toppings for better structural integrity.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout the process; taste your slaw dressing before mixing it in.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Tacos

Pairing side dishes with shrimp tacos can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
2. Black Beans: Flavorful black beans seasoned with spices provide protein and complement the tacos well.
3. Rice & Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro makes an excellent base alongside tacos.
4. Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa or guacamole are always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables grilled with olive oil add color and flavor to your meal.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Spiced roasted potatoes are hearty and satisfying, making them a perfect companion to tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making shrimp tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the shrimp can lead to bland flavors. Always take a few minutes to marinate your shrimp in spices and lime juice for the best taste.

• Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long makes them rubbery. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

• Neglecting fresh toppings: Relying solely on the shrimp can make your tacos one-dimensional. Fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and pico de gallo add vibrant flavors and textures.

• Choosing the wrong tortillas: Using flour tortillas instead of corn can change the taco experience. Stick with corn tortillas for an authentic taste.

• Not warming the tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can ruin the dish. Warm them in a skillet or microwave before filling them to enhance flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Shrimp Tacos

• To freeze, wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheating Shrimp Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat tacos for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the tacos for about 2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing shrimp tacos:

How long does it take to prepare shrimp tacos?

The total time is just around 20 minutes, making these shrimp tacos a quick meal option!

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp tacos?

Yes! Just ensure you thaw them completely before cooking for even seasoning and cooking.

What toppings work best with shrimp tacos?

Popular toppings include avocado, cilantro lime crema, jalapeños, and fresh pico de gallo.

Are these shrimp tacos customizable?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute any toppings based on your preferences, such as different herbs or sauces.

How do I store leftover shrimp tacos?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze them for up to a month.

Final Thoughts

These easy Shrimp Tacos With Slaw are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or even swap out ingredients based on what’s available. Perfect for any summer gathering or weeknight dinner, these tacos are sure to impress!

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Shrimp Tacos

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

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of these Shrimp Tacos, a delightful dish ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for any occasion, these tacos feature succulent seasoned shrimp nestled in warm corn tortillas, topped with a crunchy slaw and zesty cilantro lime crema. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, these shrimp tacos are sure to impress family and friends alike. Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and jalapeños to make each taco your own. Dive into this fresh and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and perfect for warm weather dining!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 5 tablespoons olive oil (for slaw and cooking shrimp)
• Fresh lime juice (to taste)
• Cajun seasoning
• Cilantro lime crema

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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 to combine.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque.
3. Warm tortillas in another skillet or microwave until pliable. Assemble tacos by placing a portion of shrimp on each tortilla, then top with slaw, cilantro lime crema, avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and garnish with lime wedges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 170mg