15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is the perfect solution for anyone in search of a quick, delicious meal. With spicy, juicy shrimp paired with crunchy slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortillas, these tacos are great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a fun weeknight treat. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes this dish stand out while remaining incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this tasty meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of taco seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile Option: Serve these tacos with or without guacamole, making them adaptable for various taste preferences.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from slaw, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a casual get-together, these tacos are always a hit.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet allows for even cooking of the shrimp without sticking, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time.
- Mixing Bowls: Using separate bowls for marinating shrimp and preparing sauce helps keep flavors distinct during preparation.
Ingredients
This 15 Minute Shrimp Tacos Recipe features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined (I left tails on))
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Slaw
- 14 ounces bag of coleslaw (or 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (2%+ fat)
- 1/4 cup mayo (I use avocado oil mayo)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Pinch cayenne
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
For Assembly
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, add the shrimp, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat a large ceramic non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink on one side; flip them over and cook until they are no longer gray in color. For extra charred flavor, press down on each shrimp with a spatula as they cook.
Step 4: Mix the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with cilantro and salt. Drizzle most of your sauce over this mixture while reserving some for topping tacos later. Gently stir everything together.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas
To warm your corn tortillas, place them in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Heat each tortilla for about 10 seconds on each side while pressing down gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill each tortilla with 3-4 pieces of cooked shrimp along with some slaw mixture. Drizzle additional sauce on top if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor!
Enjoy making your delicious 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Serving your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos is an opportunity to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your taco experience.
Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
Accompaniments
- Refried Beans: Serve alongside warm refried beans for a filling meal.
- Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned rice complements the tacos beautifully.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds brightness and flavor contrast.
Drinks
- Margaritas: Classic margaritas pair well with shrimp tacos, enhancing the festive vibe.
- Hibiscus Iced Tea: A refreshing non-alcoholic option that complements the flavors.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To achieve the best results with your shrimp tacos, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances the overall taste of your tacos.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook shrimp just until pink to maintain tenderness.
- Warm Tortillas Thoroughly: Warm tortillas ensure they stay pliable and delicious.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to modify seasoning levels based on your preference for heat and flavor.
- Let Slaw Marinate: Allowing slaw to sit with dressing enhances its flavor before serving.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing your shrimp tacos with delicious side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some great options.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime makes a tasty companion.
- Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips adds crunch and richness.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and cilantro brings in great nutrition.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime is a perfect match for the tacos.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies provide color and additional nutrients.
- Chili Lime Pineapple: Sweet pineapple sprinkled with chili powder creates a delightful contrast to savory tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Skipping the seasoning: Shrimp need flavor! Don’t skip the taco seasoning and garlic powder. They enhance the taste significantly.
- Not warming the tortillas: Cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Warm them in a skillet to improve texture and flavor.
- Using too much sauce: While sauce is delicious, too much can make tacos soggy. Drizzle lightly and save some for serving.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro or lime juice adds brightness to your tacos. Always opt for fresh over packaged when possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Freeze cooked shrimp separately from tortillas and slaw to maintain texture.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos for about 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking.
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
You can use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spiciness largely depends on how much cayenne you add. You can adjust it according to your taste preference.
How do I customize my 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings and sides, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful meal that satisfies your cravings!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per serving) 1x
Description
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is your go-to solution for a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor. Juicy shrimp seasoned perfectly with spices are paired with crunchy slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortillas, creating a delightful taste experience. Ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or Taco Tuesday festivities, these tacos are versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings like guacamole or fresh cilantro. Enjoy a nutritious dish that is not only easy to prepare but also a hit at any table!
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces bag of coleslaw
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 9 corn tortillas
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Cook the shrimp: Preheat a non-stick skillet over high heat and cook shrimp until pink on both sides.
- Mix the slaw: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and salt. Drizzle sauce over and stir gently.
- Warm tortillas: Heat corn tortillas in a skillet for about 10 seconds on each side.
- Assemble tacos: Fill each tortilla with shrimp and slaw mixture; drizzle extra sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (about 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
