Description
These mouthwatering shrimp tacos are a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal featuring perfectly seasoned sautéed shrimp, crisp red cabbage, creamy avocado slices, and a zesty lime-garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, they combine fresh ingredients with bold spices for a deliciously satisfying taco experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Taco Assembly
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
Creamy Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While the shrimp are cooking, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl. Set this sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas by heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwaving them briefly until they become pliable and easy to fold.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of the creamy sauce on each tortilla, followed by a handful of shredded red cabbage. Top with the cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top to add a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add sliced jalapeños to the tacos.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the sauce.
- Add a drizzle of fresh lime juice to the shrimp while cooking to enhance the seafood flavor.
- For extra crunch, toss the shredded cabbage with a little vinegar and a pinch of sugar before assembling the tacos.
