– **Title**: Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce And Cilantro Lime Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Shrimp**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (add more for extra heat)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
– **For the Cilantro Lime Slaw**:
– 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For Serving**:
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Lime wedges for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Shrimp**: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices and oil. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. **Make Creamy Sriracha Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and salt. Adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if desired. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw**: In another bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage with the chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then pour over the cabbage mixture. Toss to combine and set aside.
4. **Cook the Shrimp**: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. **Warm the Tortillas**: In a separate dry skillet, warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, until pliable.
6. **Assemble the Tacos**: Place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with the cilantro lime slaw, and drizzle with the creamy Sriracha sauce.
7. **Serve**: Garnish with lime wedges and enjoy your spicy shrimp tacos!
This recipe combines the flavors of spicy shrimp with a refreshing slaw and a creamy sauce, perfect for a delicious taco night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re allergic or prefer not to use shrimp, try using chicken or tofu instead. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring depth to the shrimp. If you want a different flavor profile, use taco seasoning or even curry powder for a unique twist.
Mayonnaise: This is key for the creamy Sriracha sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo to keep it plant-based.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is common for slaw, but feel free to use red cabbage for a pop of color or even coleslaw mix to save time.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking shrimp can be quick and easy, but getting it just right can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear. This helps lock in flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Watch the color. Shrimp turns pink as it cooks. Remove them from heat as soon as they’re opaque.
- Don’t overcook. This can make shrimp rubbery. Aim for just 2-3 minutes per side.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce And Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spicy Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and flavorful recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You can spend about 15-20 minutes prepping and marinating the shrimp, then around 10 minutes for cooking and assembling everything together. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together so the shrimp are nicely coated. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you get the other components ready.
2. Make the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you want it spicier or creamier. Set this sauce aside for later.
3. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
In a large bowl, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the slaw and toss everything together until it’s well combined. Set the slaw aside while you cook the shrimp.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are cooked through, getting a nice char. Remove the shrimp from heat once done.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft. Then, layer the cooked shrimp on each tortilla. Top with a generous amount of the cilantro lime slaw, and drizzle with your creamy Sriracha sauce.
6. Serve:
Garnish with extra cilantro if you’d like and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your flavorful tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels for better seasoning adherence.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise for the Sauce?
Not a problem! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or sour cream if you prefer a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover shrimp, slaw, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will last for up to 2 days, while the slaw is best eaten fresh, so aim to eat it within 24 hours. Warm the shrimp gently on the stove before reassembling the tacos.
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The slaw can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. If you make it too early, consider adding the dressing closer to serving time to keep the cabbage crisp.
