These shrimp tacos are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy shrimp are perfectly seasoned and served in soft tortillas, topped with a zesty chipotle lime crema that adds a kick. Yum!
Every bite is like a beach party in my mouth! I love topping them with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Give them a try—your taste buds will throw a fiesta! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best for this recipe. However, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them completely. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using chicken or fish for a different twist!
Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, and cumin give great flavor. I prefer smoked paprika for a deeper taste. If you’re out of cumin, chili powder is a good substitute to add warmth and spice.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional, but you can also use flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just warm them up to make them flexible!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances the taco’s freshness. If you’re not a fan, try using parsley or omit it completely. It won’t change the dish too much!
Chipotle Peppers: These add a smoky heat to the crema. If you want a milder flavor, use less or substitute with diced jalapeños. You can also use a hot sauce if chipotle is hard to find.
How Do I Cook Shrimp to Perfection?
Cooking shrimp just right can be tricky. The key is to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Season them in a bowl with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and slightly pink.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Following these steps will ensure your shrimp are tender and full of flavor! Enjoy your delicious tacos!
How to Make Shrimp Tacos With Chipotle Lime Crema
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Chipotle Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings for the best flavor.
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Making the Chipotle Lime Crema:
While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the chipotle lime crema. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—it should be creamy with a bit of kick!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tacos enjoyable, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this either in a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over the flame for a few seconds on each side. Just until they are pliable but not burnt.
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and place a few shrimp on top. Add some avocado slices, a handful of shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Drizzle the delicious chipotle lime crema over everything, and finish with crumbled queso fresco.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your shrimp tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy your flavorful creation with friends and family!
## Shrimp Tacos With Chipotle Lime Crema
### Ingredients
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
– Lime wedges for serving
### For the Chipotle Lime Crema
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level)
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt to taste
### Instructions
1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat.
3. While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the chipotle lime crema. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over the flame for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
5. To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, followed by avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and cilantro. Drizzle with chipotle lime crema and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy!
### FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or put them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream in the Chipotle Lime Crema?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt makes a great substitution! It adds a similar creaminess with extra protein. You can also use plant-based sour cream if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
For optimal freshness, store any leftover filling and tortillas separately. The shrimp can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the tortillas can be stored in a zip-top bag. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat and reheat the tortillas in a dry pan.
Can I Make the Chipotle Lime Crema in Advance?
Yes, you can! The crema can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before drizzling it over your tacos when you’re ready to serve!
