If you’re searching for a quick and delightful meal that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than these shrimp tacos.
They’re perfect for any day of the week, whether it’s a busy workday or a relaxed weekend.
This recipe is not just about making tacos; it’s about creating an experience.
Imagine juicy shrimp, creamy avocado crema, and vibrant cabbage slaw all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
Sounds irresistible, right? Let’s dive into how you can make these amazing shrimp tacos in no time!
Ingredients:
- 6-8 corn or flour tortillas
- 16 oz raw jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oil
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeds removed (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt, more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2-3 Tbs water to thin out the crema
For the Purple Cabbage Slaw:
- 1/2 medium purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced green & white parts
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp salt, more to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Extras:
- Thinly sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Crema
To start, blend all the ingredients for the avocado crema. This includes the avocado, sour cream, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, jalapeño (if using), salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
Blend until the mixture is smooth. If the crema is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Once blended, transfer the crema to a bowl and place it in the fridge. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Purple Cabbage Slaw
Next, prepare the purple cabbage slaw. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions.
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Store the slaw in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your tacos. This keeps the slaw crisp and fresh.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Rinse and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Drizzle them with oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Ensure the shrimp are well coated with the seasoning mixture. This blend of spices will infuse the shrimp with a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with the other taco components.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add a third of the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that each shrimp gets a nice sear. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas on a separate skillet over medium heat until they’re soft and pliable. This step adds a lovely texture to the tortillas and enhances their flavor.
To assemble, place a spoonful of purple cabbage slaw onto each tortilla. Top with a few slices of avocado, 4-5 shrimp, and a generous drizzle of avocado crema.
Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
Enjoy Your Shrimp Tacos!
These shrimp tacos are not only delicious but also versatile.
You can customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
Whether you’re serving them at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, they’re sure to be a hit.
The combination of crispy slaw, creamy avocado crema, and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.
Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal prep or impromptu dinner. Happy cooking, and enjoy your tasty shrimp tacos!