These Shrimp Tacos are light, flavorful, and perfect for a fresh, zesty meal that can be whipped up quickly. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are paired with crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and tangy cotija cheese, all brought together with a shrimp taco sauce that’s packed with lime and just the right amount of heat from Sriracha. Whether you’re using soft corn tortillas or crispy taco shells, these tacos are ideal for a fun and easy dinner or taco night!
Ingredients
Servings: 8 Tacos
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb Shrimp (medium or large, raw, peeled and deveined)
- 1 Garlic clove (pressed or minced)
- ½ tsp Sea salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ¼ tsp Ground cumin
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
Shrimp Taco Toppings:
- 8 White corn tortillas (small, 6″ diameter), or hard taco shells
- ½ Small purple cabbage (about 2 cups, shredded)
- 1 Large avocado (pitted, peeled, and diced)
- ½ Red onion (finely diced)
- 4 oz Cotija cheese (1 cup grated)
- ¼ bunch Fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped)
- 1 Lime (cut into wedges)
Shrimp Taco Sauce:
- ⅓ cup Sour cream
- ⅓ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 ½ Tbsp Lime juice (squeezed from 1 medium lime)
- ¾ tsp Garlic powder
- ¾ tsp Sriracha sauce (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Prepare and Cook the Shrimp:
- Thaw shrimp: If frozen, thaw the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 pressed garlic clove, ½ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp ground cumin, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper. Stir until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and cook the shrimp in a single layer, sautéing for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Toppings:
- Tortillas: Toast 8 corn tortillas by placing them directly over a gas stove flame or cooking on a medium-hot skillet for about 10 seconds per side, until lightly charred on the edges and golden brown in some spots.
- Toppings: Thinly slice the purple cabbage, dice the avocado, finely chop the red onion, and coarsely chop the cilantro. Arrange these toppings on a serving platter alongside the cotija cheese and lime wedges.
3. Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce:
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 ½ Tbsp lime juice, ¾ tsp garlic powder, and ¾ tsp Sriracha (adjust the heat to your preference).
- Serve: Drizzle the sauce over the assembled tacos or serve it on the side for dipping.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
- Layer: To assemble, place a few shrimp on each tortilla and top with cabbage, avocado, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and finish with a generous drizzle of the taco sauce.
Description and Tips
These Shrimp Tacos deliver a combination of textures and flavors in every bite. The shrimp, seasoned with cumin, cayenne, and garlic, offer a smoky-spiced base, while the crisp cabbage, creamy avocado, and tangy cotija cheese add layers of freshness and richness. The shrimp taco sauce brings it all together with a zesty and mildly spicy kick from the lime and Sriracha.
Tips:
- Shrimp Selection: Opt for medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to save time on prep. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp—about 1-2 minutes per side is just enough to keep them juicy.
- Taco Shells: If you prefer crispy tacos, use hard taco shells instead of soft corn tortillas for a satisfying crunch.
- Toast the Tortillas: Toasting the tortillas adds extra flavor and texture. If you don’t have a gas stove, you can use a hot skillet or griddle to achieve the same effect.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the taco sauce by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your preference. You can also serve extra on the side for spice lovers.
- Serving Ideas: Pair the tacos with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.
These shrimp tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back gathering. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a household favorite!
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