These easy shrimp tacos are full of flavor and super simple to make! Juicy shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas create a quick meal perfect for any day of the week.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a taco night? I like to load mine up with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa—yum! It’s a quick way to treat yourself without much fuss.
Making these tacos is easy-peasy! Just sauté the shrimp with some spices, toss them in tortillas, and top with your favorites. Dinner is ready in no time, and it’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry. For a non-seafood option, try chicken or tofu, seasoned the same way!
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness. You can substitute it with avocado oil or vegetable oil for a different flavor or if you run out of olive oil.
Spices: Chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin create a lovely flavor mix. If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper or use a spicy taco seasoning instead.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but feel free to use flour ones if you prefer. Whole grain or gluten-free tortillas are great alternatives as well.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a zesty touch. If you’re not a fan, try chopped green onions or parsley for a different flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The key is to avoid overcooking them, which can make them rubbery. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat for a nice sear.
- Add the shrimp when the pan is hot and cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink and opaque when done.
- Keep an eye on them; once they change color, they’re close to being done!
Remember, shrimp cook fast, so it’s better to undercook slightly and check than to overdo it. You can always give them a bit more time!
Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- Optional: hot sauce or a creamy sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking. So, in just 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious shrimp tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Shrimp:
Start by putting the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that each shrimp is evenly coated with the spices. This will give your shrimp lots of flavor!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Warming the Tortillas:
While the shrimp is cooking, warm up the tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a separate pan for a minute or two or microwaving them for about 30 seconds. This makes them easier to fold and fill!
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a warmed tortilla and lay down a generous amount of shredded lettuce or cabbage first. Then, add diced tomatoes, avocado, and finally, top with your perfectly cooked shrimp.
5. Final Touches:
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top of the assembled taco and, if you like a kick, drizzle with hot sauce or a creamy sauce of your choice.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your shrimp tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime over the top for that zesty flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you need to speed things up, you can place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly.
What Can I Substitute for the Tortillas?
If you don’t have tortillas or want a different option, you can use lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative. Alternatively, try serving the shrimp over rice or quinoa for a filling dish. Just adjust the recipe to ensure you have enough shrimp and toppings for the portion size!
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, the tortillas won’t get soggy. When ready to eat, you can quickly reheat the shrimp in a skillet or microwave before assembling your tacos again.
Can I Make the Taco Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the seasoned shrimp ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the shrimp as directed and assemble your tacos!
