Speedy Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stared into the fridge at 6 PM wondering what to cook? Honestly, me too! This easy shrimp taco recipe for those crazy weeknights is your answer.
Trust me, the flavor combo will blow your mind.
Brief Overview
These tacos are like sunshine in a tortilla. Think Baja California street food. Super simple, ready in 25 minutes, and makes enough for 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits
The best part? Shrimp is packed with protein. These are perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how easily you can customize it.
Craving a taste of the coast? Let's dive in to this best shrimp taco recipe !
Ingredients for Your Weeknight Fiesta
Okay, let's talk ingredients. This is where you can really make it your own. Don't worry, this is a quick shrimp taco recipe , so you can grab the shrimp from the freezer, some cabbage, and lime.
The Shrimp Situation
You need 1 pound of shrimp. Olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper are the stars here. It is all about the seasoning for shrimp tacos .
The Slaw That Sings
Grab a 4 cups of pre-shredded cabbage mix. Mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and green onions are the secret weapons. The lime slaw for tacos will have you craving more.
Taco Time
Corn or flour tortillas? You decide! Avocado, hot sauce, pickled onions, cotija cheese, and extra lime wedges make it a real party! Make sure you have the best shrimp tacos toppings .
Let's Get Cooking!
Now that you've got your ingredients, let's get down to business! Don't be intimidated, this weeknight shrimp tacos recipe is a breeze.
Zesty Slaw Magic
First, mix your cabbage, mayo, lime juice, cilantro, green onion, salt, and pepper. Pop it in the fridge while you prep the shrimp.
Shrimp Sizzle
Next, toss the shrimp with olive oil and all those spices. Make sure they are fully coated!
Heat a skillet over medium high heat and cook the shrimp for a few minutes per side. Keep it simple!
Warm Tortillas and Build the Dream
Warm the tortillas! Fill them up with shrimp and slaw. Add all your favorite toppings, like avocado, hot sauce, and lime. Don't be shy!
Time to Eat!
Serve those street tacos shrimp immediately. Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for these Speedy Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw! This easy shrimp taco recipe for weeknights is all about simplicity.
Ingredients & Equipment
Here's the lowdown on what you need to get this best shrimp taco recipe going. Honestly, most of it's probably already kicking around in your kitchen!
Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound ( 450g ). Go for large, peeled, and deveined. Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed, of course) works a treat too. Good quality shrimp should smell fresh and not have any funky aromas.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon .
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon .
- Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon .
- Smoked Paprika: ¼ teaspoon .
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Shredded Cabbage Mix (coleslaw mix): 4 cups (approx. 400g ).
- Mayonnaise: ¼ cup ( 60ml ). For a shrimp taco crema sauce , you can add a dollop more at the end!
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), freshly squeezed. Bottled just won't cut it, trust me.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), chopped.
- Green Onion: 1, thinly sliced.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: 12 small ones. Street tacos shrimp style, you know?
- Optional Shrimp Tacos Toppings : Avocado slices, hot sauce, pickled onions, cotija cheese, lime wedges.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavor! The chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika combo is seasoning for shrimp tacos magic. Smoked paprika is a real game changer.
It adds depth. For a bit of heat, sneak in a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you are looking for Shrimp Taco Ideas consider adding Old Bay Seasoning.
You can also sub garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
Equipment Needed
Okay, nothing fancy here. A good skillet is essential.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For cooking the shrimp.
- Mixing Bowl: For the slaw.
- Cutting Board: For chopping.
- Chef’s Knife: A must have.
- Citrus Juicer (optional): Makes squeezing limes easier. If you don’t have one, no stress, just use your hands!
Speedy Shrimp Tacos: Weeknight Fiesta
Oh my gosh, are you tired of the same old dinners? Honestly, me too! That's why I adore this Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe for those crazy weeknights.
It’s faster than ordering takeout, and tastes a million times better. Think zesty, fresh, and totally customizable. You know? It’s my go-to when I need something quick and delicious.
This recipe is rated “Easy” because it is! Even if you're a total newbie in the kitchen, you can nail these.
Prep takes about 15 minutes and cooking is done in 10 minutes . So, in just 25 minutes , you've got a feast for four.
Prep Steps: Your Shrimp Taco Launchpad
First things first: mise en place . It's just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff ready". Peel and devein the 1 pound of shrimp.
Mix up the spices. Shred the cabbage. Having everything prepped before you start makes the cooking part a breeze. For a total time saver, buy pre-shredded cabbage mix.
step-by-step: Taco Time!
- Slaw Time : Mix the shredded cabbage, mayo, lime juice, cilantro, and green onion.
- Spice It Up : Toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp : Heat skillet to medium high. Cook the shrimp for 2- 3 minutes per side, till pink.
- Warm Tortillas : Warm those babies up!
- Assemble : Fill the tortillas with shrimp and slaw.
- Top It : Avocado? Hot sauce? Go wild!
- Eat Now : Seriously, dive in!
Pro Tips for Epic Tacos
Okay, here's where the magic happens. Don't overcook the shrimp! Rubber shrimp are a crime against tacos. This also will help to keep the seasoning for shrimp tacos inside the shrimp! Squeeze fresh lime juice into that slaw it makes all the difference and complements the shrimp taco crema sauce perfectly.
The slaw can be made ahead of time to save time. Making the easy shrimp taco slaw is the real deal and something you will thank me later.
I love to add lime slaw for tacos , it is to die for!. Also, you can make a quick shrimp taco recipe if you are in a hurry.
The best shrimp taco recipe is one that is easily changed as it pleases you.
Honestly, sometimes I'll grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying, for that smoky flavor. You know? Also, a dollop of that shrimp taco crema sauce can make all the difference, adding a creamy, tangy richness that complements the Shrimp Taco Toppings beautifully.
So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some seriously awesome tacos.
These shrimp tacos really are your weeknight shrimp tacos dreams come true! Perfect for a quick bite or a fun shrimp taco ideas night with friends, they're bound to become a new favourite.
Whether you are a street taco fan, or even if you don´t and you prefer a more elaborate taco, I recommend you to try these street tacos shrimp !
Alright, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom for our Speedy Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw, or as I like to call them, sunshine on a tortilla! This Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe for weeknights is seriously so simple, but a few tweaks can take it from good to Oh my gosh, where have these been all my life?
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Taco Ideas are endless. Plating is important! Think vibrant colours. Pile high the shrimp on a colourful plate, and make sure the slaw is not hidden.
I like to arrange the shrimp tacos on a wooden board with little bowls of hot sauce and lime wedges.
For a proper fiesta, serve them with Mexican rice and black beans. And, honestly, a cold beer or a margarita is never a bad idea.
It's like a party in your mouth, you know?
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Unlikely, but hey, life happens! Keep the shrimp and slaw separate. This prevents soggy tacos. The shrimp will keep in the fridge for up to three days .
Make sure it's in an airtight container. The slaw is best consumed within 24 hours . Freezing isn’t ideal. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle pan-fry does the trick.
Just don’t overcook!
Variations
Want to mix it up? Honestly, Shrimp Tacos Toppings can be as wild as your imagination. For a dairy-free version, swap the mayo in the slaw for vegan mayo or even a simple vinaigrette.
To keep it gluten-free, use corn tortillas (check the label!). If you're feeling fancy, try grilling some pineapple to add to the tacos for a sweet and smoky twist.
You can try using different Seasoning For Shrimp Tacos .
In the winter, use roasted butternut squash in the slaw!
Nutrition Basics
Each serving rocks about 450 calories, packs 30g of protein (good for those muscles!), and 25g of fat. You'll also get 30g of carbs, 5g of fiber, and only 3g of sugar (score!).
Remember, that Shrimp Taco Crema Sauce can significantly increase the calories and fat content. It is about 500mg of sodium, So go easy on the salt.
This is just a rough estimate. It depends on the size of tortillas and how much Easy Shrimp Taco Slaw you pile on! A good reminder that these tacos are delicious and offer a decent boost of protein and nutrients.
Seriously, this Quick shrimp taco recipe is one of my go-to dinners. It's so flexible and always a hit. Don't be afraid to experiment with the Lime slaw for tacos and adjust the Best shrimp taco recipe to your liking! You will enjoy the Weeknight shrimp tacos
Have fun with it, and happy cooking! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery in this Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe for?
Nobody wants rubbery shrimp! The key is not to overcook them. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, which only takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Think of it like cooking the perfect steak you want it just right, not shoe leather!
Can I make the slaw ahead of time for these Speedy Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw?
Absolutely! In fact, making the slaw ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing think of it like letting a good cuppa tea steep for the perfect brew!
What are some good toppings to add to my Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe for a little extra pizzazz?
Beyond the basics, get creative! Avocado slices add creamy richness, while a drizzle of hot sauce (like Cholula or Tapatio) provides a welcome kick. Pickled onions offer a tangy crunch, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, savory note.
Think of it like customising your Full English everyone has their favourite additions!
I'm not a huge fan of mayonnaise. What can I substitute in the slaw for this Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe?
No worries, mate! For a lighter and tangier slaw, you can easily substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. It provides a similar creamy texture with fewer calories and a bit of a healthy boost.
Another option is a vinaigrette based slaw if you prefer something even lighter just remember to adjust the seasonings to taste. You could even go down the route of replacing this all together for the spicy mango salsa for a different flavour profile
What if I don't have all the spices listed? Can I still make this Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Of course! Don't let a missing spice stop you. The most important elements are chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. If you're missing garlic powder or smoked paprika, don't sweat it. You can even use a pre-made taco seasoning blend in a pinch. A little improvisation is all part of the fun, innit?
How long will the cooked shrimp last in the fridge, and how should I store any leftovers from this Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe for?
Cooked shrimp will generally last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Make sure to let the shrimp cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store the slaw separately to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy if you're planning to make tacos again.
Think of it like stashing away a cheeky portion of Sunday roast for a quick lunch!
Speedy Shrimp Tacos With Zesty Slaw
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |