Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the coast to your kitchen. They are light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make shrimp tacos because they are quick to prepare and offer a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of perfectly seasoned shrimp and crunchy coleslaw creates a delightful contrast. Plus, they are versatile! You can customize them with your favorite toppings or sides. Eating shrimp tacos is a simple way to enjoy a taste of the sea without much fuss.
How to Make Shrimp Tacos
Making shrimp tacos is straightforward. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, and lime juice to create the creamy sauce.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp onto the tortillas, topping with coleslaw, and garnishing with cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Shrimp Tacos
To serve shrimp tacos, place them on a large plate or a taco stand for a fun presentation. You can offer extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Pair them with fresh salsa, guacamole, or chips for a complete meal. Drinks like margaritas or cold beer also make a great match!
How to Store Shrimp Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and coleslaw mixture separately from the tortillas. Place the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The coleslaw can also be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. When you’re ready to eat, warm the tortillas and reheat the shrimp for a quick meal.
Tips to Make Shrimp Tacos
- Use fresh shrimp for the best taste, but frozen shrimp work well too. Just be sure to thaw them properly.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking. If you prefer more spice, add extra chili powder or some hot sauce.
- For added texture, consider adding diced avocado or sliced jalapeños on top.
Variation
You can change up this recipe by using grilled shrimp or adding different toppings like diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans. Another option is to use fish instead of shrimp for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! If you have cooked shrimp, just skip the cooking step and toss the shrimp with the spices before serving.
2. What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas have a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp and coleslaw in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas fresh and crispy.
Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Use fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp.
- 2 tsp chili powder Adjust for spice preference.
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the shrimp.
For the Tacos
- 8 small tortillas Corn or flour tortillas can be used.
- 1 cup coleslaw mix Pre-packed mix can be used.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise For the creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp lime juice For added freshness.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, and lime juice to create the creamy sauce.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
Assembly
- Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp onto the tortillas, topping with coleslaw, and garnishing with cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
