Spicy Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving The ingredients for spicy shrimp tacos are simple but full of flavor. Start with one pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes them easy to cook. Next, you need two tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the shrimp cook and adds a nice taste. Then, grab one tablespoon of chili powder. This will bring the heat! You will also need one teaspoon each of cumin and garlic powder. These spices add depth and warmth to the dish. Cayenne pepper is next. Use half a teaspoon, but feel free to adjust based on your taste. Don't forget salt and pepper to make everything pop. For the tacos, you will need eight small corn tortillas. They should be soft and warm. Then, add one cup of shredded red cabbage. It gives a nice crunch and color. One avocado, sliced, adds creaminess that balances the spice. Garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds a burst of freshness. Finally, serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors. These ingredients come together quickly. In just thirty minutes, you can make a delicious meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large bowl. Add the shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. I like to toss the shrimp gently until every piece is coated in spices. This makes sure each bite is full of flavor. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. This is key; perfectly cooked shrimp are juicy and tender. Now it’s time to warm the corn tortillas. In the same skillet, place the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. This softens them and makes them easy to fold. You want them warm and pliable, not crispy. Let’s build those tacos! Start with a few shrimp on each tortilla. Then, pile on some shredded red cabbage and slices of avocado. This adds crunch and creaminess. For the final touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side. This adds a bright burst of flavor. Enjoy your beautiful, tasty tacos! To make sure your shrimp are cooked just right, look for a few signs. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. When you cook them, don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the shrimp from steaming. Cook them in batches if needed. You can adjust the spice levels by changing the cayenne pepper. If you like it milder, use less cayenne. For more heat, add a pinch more. Taste the shrimp before serving to find your perfect flavor. Serve your spicy shrimp tacos with some fresh sides. A simple corn salad pairs well and adds sweetness. You can also make a side of black beans for protein. For drinks, a cold cerveza is great with these tacos. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try a lime soda. The tartness complements the spicy shrimp nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give your tacos the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they're fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture. Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming tortillas in the skillet adds a slight char and enhances their flavor, making them more pliable for wrapping. Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are essential for brightening the flavors; don’t skip them for the best taste experience. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well and cooks fast. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal too. Just make sure to cut it into small pieces or cubes. You can also play with spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. You might like fresh jalapeños for extra heat. For toppings, consider adding diced tomatoes or corn. These add crunch and brightness to your tacos. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose corn tortillas. They are soft and flavorful. You can find them in most stores. Just make sure they are labeled gluten-free. For a vegan option, use tofu or a mix of black beans and corn. Replace the shrimp with your chosen protein. You can also skip the cheese and use avocado instead. This makes a creamy and satisfying taco. To keep your spicy shrimp tacos fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors intact. Place the shrimp and toppings in separate containers. This way, the tortillas stay soft, and the shrimp do not get soggy. How long do leftovers last? You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose quality and taste. Always check for any off smells before eating. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat shrimp gently. The best method is to use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the shrimp juicy and helps maintain their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make shrimp tough. For tortillas, warm them on the skillet for a few seconds. This will keep them soft and pliable. You can also cover them with a damp paper towel if using a microwave. This adds a little moisture back into the tortillas. Enjoy your tasty meal again! I recommend using medium to large shrimp for tacos. They hold their shape well and provide a great bite. Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If you can, choose wild-caught shrimp for a better taste. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and store them in the fridge. You can also shred the cabbage and slice the avocado. Just warm the shrimp and tortillas right before serving. To adjust the heat, change the amount of cayenne pepper. If you want less spice, use less cayenne. If you love heat, add more. You can also add hot sauce to each taco for an extra kick. These tacos go great with several sides. Try serving them with: - Mexican rice - Black beans - Grilled corn - A fresh salad Each side adds flavor and helps balance the spice. Spicy shrimp tacos can be a healthy meal. Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein. Using fresh veggies like cabbage and avocado adds fiber and nutrients. Just watch the amount of oil and added salt to keep it healthy. These spicy shrimp tacos are easy to make and taste great. I shared the list of ingredients, detailed steps for cooking, and tips for serving. You can even try different proteins or toppings. Remember to store leftovers well to keep them fresh. Enjoy every bite, knowing you made a fun dish that everyone can love. Dive into this recipe and make your next meal special!$

Delicious and spicy shrimp tacos topped with fresh ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
to taste salt and pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well coated in the spice mixture.
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, briefly warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
Assemble the tacos by placing a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with shredded red cabbage and slices of avocado.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword seafood, shrimp, spicy, tacos