Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe!
These are easily my favorite shrimp tacos! The shrimp is perfectly seasoned and tender, the toppings all enhance the flavors of the shrimp without overwhelming, and the taco sauce is the best finishing touch. Shrimp has such a unique flavor and it really is perfect for tacos, especially when you can upgrade it with a little kick of chipotle pepper. Then of course you can never go wrong with a fair amount of avocados, some vibrantly colored, crunchy red cabbage and a little bit of tangy Cotija cheese on a taco. And too keep things flavorful and balance out the heat, these chipotle Shrimp Tacos are finished off with a simple yet oh so perfectly flavorful Cilantro-Lime Crema. They’re sure to leave you craving more! So good in fact that it’s a recipe worthy of your dinner rotation.
How to Make Shrimp Tacos:
For the Cilantro-Lime Sauce: in a bowl whisk together all ingredients while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill until ready to use.
Season the shrimp: in a medium bowl whisk together chipotle chili powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper. Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
Cook the shrimp: heat olive oil in non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until opaque and cooked through, tossing once halfway through cooking, about 3 – 4 minutes.
To assemble tacos: layer cabbage, shrimp, avocados and Cotija over taco shells. Drizzle with Cilantro-Lime Sauce.
How to Tell When Shrimp are Done Cooking?
To tell when they’re done pay attention to the color. Shrimp should turn from that unappealing grey color to an appetizing pinkish peach color with some white throughout. They should also become opaque.
How to Make Them Mild?
If you don’t want spicy tacos then just replace the chipotle chili powder with more regular chili powder. If you love heat double it up.
How to Add Island Flavor?
Do you love those tropical shrimp tacos? Then try them with a mango or pineapple salsa served over the top.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tacos:
Use frozen shrimp and thawed shrimp (unless you have access to shrimp that is fresh from the ocean). Most shrimp sold at the grocery store is actually previously frozen and thawed and you never know how long it’s been sitting there, plus you likely won’t be cooking it up right away so it tastes better if you thaw yourself. Take the weight of the shrimp after thawing so you’ll have enough. You lose some water weight once thawed so you’ll actually need more with frozen weight. Use lots of spices! The spice blend here paired with the cilantro lime crema is what gives these tacos so much flavor. Be careful not to over-cook the shrimp. Key to any good shrimp recipe. If over-cooked they take on a bouncy rubbery texture. Add some textural contrast with toppings. Serving with crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado does just that.
More Delicious Taco Recipes to Try:
Salsa Chicken Tacos Chicken Street Tacos Shredded Beef Tacos Carnitas Fish Tacos Black Bean Tacos
