– **Title**: Easy Shrimp Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup pico de gallo
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Lime wedges for serving
– Optional: hot sauce for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
3. While the shrimp are cooking, warm the tortillas in another skillet or microwave until pliable.
4. To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.
5. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy your easy shrimp tacos!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: For shrimp tacos, choose large shrimp for a satisfying bite. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works just as well. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give your shrimp incredible flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a touch of cayenne pepper can be a great substitute for some heat.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a traditional taste, but I love using flour tortillas for a softer texture. You can also use taco shells if you prefer a crunch.
Avocado: If avocados are too expensive or not ripe, you can replace them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the tacos but can be omitted if you’re not a fan. You can substitute it with parsley for a different flavor.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking shrimp can be quick, but it’s essential to avoid overcooking. The idea is to heat them just until they’re pink and opaque, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side.
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear. If you notice them turning pink, that’s a good sign!
- Don’t crowd the pan. If it’s too full, the shrimp will steam instead of sear. You might need to cook them in batches.
- Keep an eye on the color change, as slightly overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Don’t walk away!
How to Make Easy Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp tacos recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes to get these delicious tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp:
Start by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything well so the shrimp are evenly coated with those tasty spices.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque. Yum!
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp are cooking, you can warm up the tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet or pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they’re warm and flexible.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a layer of shredded lettuce on it. Then, add the cooked shrimp, followed by diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped red onion. It should look colorful and appealing!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top of each taco and serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime will add a lovely zing! Now, dig in and enjoy your easy shrimp tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or using a quick method: seal them in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for better searing!
What Can I Substitute for the Tortillas?
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional tortillas, you can use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or try gluten-free tortillas made from rice or corn for a similar texture. Just make sure they’re warmed up before serving for the best taste!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, store the shrimp and taco toppings separately to keep everything fresh. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and assemble your tacos when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or topping your tacos with sliced jalapeños. You could also serve them with a spicy salsa for an extra kick!
