Make dinner simple and delicious with easy shrimp tacos. This flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknights and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Easy Shrimp Tacos
Easy shrimp tacos are a perfect dinner option when you want something quick, fresh, and full of flavor. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to bring a delicious Mexican-inspired meal to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, these shrimp tacos will impress.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is packed with juicy, seasoned shrimp and crisp, fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and customizable with your favorite toppings or side dishes. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, making this meal a speedy solution for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (substitute with cooked shrimp for even faster prep)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp chili powder (smoked paprika or chipotle powder also work)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (gluten-free tortillas if needed)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook shrimp in the skillet 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- While shrimp cook, warm your tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until flexible.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp in the tortillas, topping with shredded cabbage and cilantro.
- Add optional toppings like avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over tacos just before serving for a bright finish.
For more simple dinner ideas, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners or visit the Food Network for inspiration.
Expert Tips
To get perfectly cooked shrimp, look for them to turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so pull them off the heat promptly. You can marinate the shrimp in the spices and a bit of lime juice for 15 minutes for extra flavor. These tacos are great for scaling up or down depending on your crowd.
Storage
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Tortillas keep well at room temperature if wrapped. For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in portions for up to 1 month and thaw before reheating gently in a skillet.
Variations
- Vegan: Use seasoned and pan-fried oyster mushrooms or tofu instead of shrimp.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and confirm seasoning blends are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Skip sour cream or use coconut-based alternatives.
- Low Carb: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
FAQ
- How do I make easy shrimp tacos?
- Simply season and cook shrimp quickly in a skillet, warm tortillas, then assemble with fresh toppings like cabbage and cilantro for a flavorful meal.
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
- What sides go well with shrimp tacos?
- Try Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.
- Are shrimp tacos healthy?
- Yes, shrimp are low in calories and protein-rich, and fresh toppings add fiber and nutrients.
- How can I make shrimp tacos spicy?
- Add chipotle powder to the shrimp seasoning or serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce.
Call to Action
If you enjoyed this easy shrimp tacos recipe, please leave a comment below! Share your favorite toppings or variations, and remember to save or rate this recipe for your next dinner night. For more easy dinner inspiration, don’t forget to browse our other Easy Weeknight Dinners.
