Shrimp tacos are the perfect blend of fresh seafood flavors and vibrant spices, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether you’re searching for a way to bring the beachside vibes of Baja right into your kitchen or just looking for a delicious meal to add to your Taco Tuesday rotation, these spicy shrimp tacos are sure to hit the spot. Inspired by the flavors found on the Tijuana Flats menu, this recipe combines crispy fried shrimp, tangy lime slaw, and a spicy shrimp seasoning that will have you craving more with every bite. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these shrimp tacos is a breeze with a little prep and some quick cooking. Follow these steps to bring the taste of Baja to your kitchen.
1. Prepare the Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
Start by making the slaw, as it benefits from a little time to marinate and develop its flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and cilantro, tossing well to coat.
- Season the slaw with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp
The shrimp is the star of the show, and it’s essential to get it right.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, shrimp seasoning, and lime juice until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- For added crunch, you can also fry handy breaded shrimp according to the package instructions, then toss them in the same shrimp seasoning mixture.
3. Warm the Tortillas
For the best flavor and texture, warm your tortillas before assembling the tacos.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
- Keep the tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
4. Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
- Place a few shrimp (or handy breaded shrimp) on each warm tortilla.
- Top with a generous portion of garlic cilantro lime slaw.
- Add slices of avocado and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.
- Drizzle with hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Tacos
Choosing the Best Shrimp
When it comes to shrimp tacos, the shrimp you choose makes all the difference. Opt for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save on prep time. If you’re looking for convenience, you can also find handy breaded shrimp online to order, which works perfectly for a crispy, fried version of these tacos.
Mastering the Shrimp Seasoning
The key to flavorful shrimp tacos is in the seasoning. A good shrimp seasoning typically includes a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. For an extra punch of flavor, marinate the shrimp in the seasoning and lime juice for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Getting the Slaw Just Right
The garlic cilantro lime slaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the spiciness of the shrimp. For a more tangy flavor, you can increase the lime juice, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a creamier slaw, add more mayonnaise or sour cream.
Alternatives and Additions
- Tortillas: While flour tortillas are soft and pliable, corn tortillas add an authentic Mexican flavor and a bit more texture.
- Cheese: Queso fresco is mild and crumbly, but if you prefer a more robust flavor, try cotija cheese or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.
- Extras: Add your favorite toppings like pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh mango for a sweet contrast.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of these shrimp tacos:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp tacos are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages.
- Side Dishes: Serve these tacos with a side of black beans, Mexican rice, or a light cucumber salad.
- Beverages: A cold beer, margarita, or even a refreshing agua fresca pairs perfectly with the spicy and tangy flavors of the tacos.
- Presentation: For a casual dinner, set up a taco bar and let everyone assemble their own tacos with their preferred toppings. For a more formal setting, plate the tacos with a wedge of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work well, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker thaw.
2. What is the best way to warm tortillas?
The best way to warm tortillas is on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can also warm them directly over a gas flame for a slight char, or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven.
3. Can I make these tacos in advance?
While the shrimp is best cooked fresh, you can prepare the slaw and tortillas in advance. Store the slaw in the refrigerator and reheat the tortillas just before serving. Cook the shrimp right before assembling the tacos for the best flavor and texture.
4. Do shrimp feed on dead things?
Yes, shrimp are scavengers and do feed on dead organisms in their natural habitats, which makes them efficient cleaners of the aquatic environment. However, the shrimp you buy from the store are typically farmed or caught in clean, controlled environments.
5. What if I can’t find handy breaded shrimp online?
If you can’t find handy breaded shrimp online, you can bread and fry your own shrimp. Simply dip the shrimp in beaten egg, then coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko before frying in hot oil until golden brown.
6. Where can I find the best shrimp tacos near me?
While nothing beats homemade shrimp tacos, if you’re looking to dine out, search for “shrimp tacos near me” to find local restaurants. For those who want a quick fix, Tijuana Flats menu often features delicious shrimp tacos inspired by Baja flavors.
7. What’s the deal with fancy feast annoying bowl clicking?
While not directly related to shrimp tacos, “fancy feast annoying bowl clicking” refers to the sound that some cat owners find bothersome when their pets eat from certain types of bowls. If you’re a cat owner and this bothers you, consider switching to a quieter dish option.
8. How do I find the best taco Tuesday near me?
To find the best Taco Tuesday deals, a quick online search for “best taco Tuesday near me” can help you locate restaurants offering discounts and special menus on tacos, including shrimp tacos.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients
Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water if needed
Shrimp Taco Spice Mix:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Shrimp Tacos:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 –3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 8 small tortillas corn or flour
- 2 avocados smashed
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese optional
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sauce: Blend all the sauce ingredients until smooth, adding water if needed to thin.
- Slaw: Toss the shredded cabbage with some of the sauce. Reserve extra for topping.
- Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, then toss in spice mix. Sauté in a hot skillet with oil for 5-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Assembly: Layer smashed avocado, slaw, shrimp, and toppings on tortillas. Add extra sauce and serve with lime wedges.
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