Are you looking for a quick and easy Mexican dish that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further than shrimp tacos, a flavorful and healthy meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
In this recipe, we'll show you how to make delicious shrimp tacos with a cilantro lime slaw and a variety of toppings to choose from.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This shrimp tacos recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Mexican food. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes.
Plus, it's a healthy and low-calorie option that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
One of the best things about this recipe is the cilantro lime slaw, which adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the dish. The slaw is made with a combination of cilantro, lime juice, and red cabbage, which provides a nice crunch and a burst of flavor in each bite.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:
1 pound large shrimp , peeled and deveined, with the tails removed. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, whichever is available.
1/2 cup cilantro , chopped fresh cilantro is essential for this recipe, as it adds a bright and fresh flavor to the slaw.
1/4 cup lime juice , fresh lime juice is best, as it provides a nice acidity and flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup red cabbage , shredded red cabbage adds a nice crunch and color to the slaw.
1 jalapeno pepper , seeded and finely chopped, this adds a nice spicy kick to the dish.
1 tablespoon olive oil , used for cooking the shrimp and adding flavor to the dish.
1 teaspoon ground cumin , adds a nice warm and earthy flavor to the shrimp.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika , adds a nice smoky flavor to the shrimp.
Salt and pepper , used to season the shrimp and the slaw.
8-10 corn tortillas , used to make the tacos, you can use store-bought or homemade tortillas.
Optional toppings , avocado, sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
Why These Ingredients
Shrimp
Shrimp is the star of the show in this recipe, and it's essential to use fresh and high-quality shrimp. You can use frozen shrimp if it's not available, but make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
The type of shrimp you use will affect the flavor and texture of the dish, so choose a variety that's suitable for tacos. Large shrimp are best, as they're easy to cook and provide a nice bite.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a fresh and bright flavor to the slaw. Make sure to use fresh cilantro, as it has a more vibrant flavor than dried cilantro.
You can adjust the amount of cilantro to your taste, but keep in mind that it's essential for the slaw. If you don't like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil, but it won't be the same.
Lime Juice
Lime juice is another essential ingredient in this recipe, as it provides a nice acidity and flavor to the dish. Make sure to use fresh lime juice, as it's more flavorful than bottled juice.
You can adjust the amount of lime juice to your taste, but keep in mind that it's essential for the slaw. If you don't like lime juice, you can substitute it with lemon juice, but it won't be the same.
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let's start cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this recipe:
Step 1: Make the Slaw , In a large bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, red cabbage, and jalapeno pepper. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp , In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're pink and cooked through.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp , Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos , Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Assemble the tacos by placing a few cooked shrimp on each tortilla, followed by a spoonful of the slaw and any desired toppings.
How To Serve
Here are a few ideas for serving this recipe:
Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican street corn, which is made by grilling corn on the cob and slathering it with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
Offer a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese, to let everyone customize their tacos.
Serve the tacos with a side of spicy salsa or hot sauce, which adds an extra kick of flavor to the dish.
Make the tacos more substantial by adding some cooked rice, beans, or roasted vegetables to the filling.
How To Keep Leftovers
Room Temperature
You can store the cooked shrimp and slaw at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it's best to refrigerate or freeze them as soon as possible.
Make sure to store the components separately, as the shrimp and slaw can become soggy if they're stored together.
Refrigerator
You can store the cooked shrimp and slaw in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which makes it a great meal prep option.
Make sure to store the components separately, as the shrimp and slaw can become soggy if they're stored together.
Freezer
You can store the cooked shrimp and slaw in the freezer for up to 2 months, which makes it a great option for a quick and easy meal.
Make sure to store the components separately, as the shrimp and slaw can become soggy if they're stored together.
Top Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients
Make sure to use fresh and high quality ingredients, as they will affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Choose fresh cilantro, lime juice, and red cabbage for the slaw, and fresh shrimp for the filling.
Don't Overcook the Shrimp
Make sure to cook the shrimp until they're pink and cooked through, but don't overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp, which should be at least 145°F.
Customize the Toppings
Offer a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese, to let everyone customize their tacos.
Make sure to have a variety of options available, as everyone has different tastes and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy Mexican dish that's perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can make a flavorful and healthy meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico!
