15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a delightful dish that combines spicy, juicy shrimp with a fresh slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers fantastic taste and texture, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can impress your friends and family with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of taco seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a mouth-watering dish.
- Versatile: Serve these tacos at parties, family dinners, or as a healthy lunch option.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, these tacos are a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Customizable: Add toppings like guacamole or extra veggies to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started with the cooking, gather the essential tools that will make your taco-making experience smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures the shrimp cook evenly without sticking, allowing for easy flipping.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients easily without mess.
Ingredients
This 15 Minute Shrimp Tacos Recipe includes the following ingredients to ensure the best taste:
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined – tails on optional)
- 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 (preferably 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: Prepare the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine the raw shrimp with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together plain yogurt, mayo, lime juice, an additional amount of taco seasoning, along with a pinch of cayenne and some ground black pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook until they turn pink on one side, then flip them over until they are no longer gray. For added char, press down gently with a spatula while cooking. Alternatively, grill them on high heat using a silicone grill mat for extra flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw Mix
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and salt. Add almost all of the prepared sauce to this mixture while reserving some for drizzling on top of your tacos later. Stir gently until everything is mixed well.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Heat each corn tortilla in a cast iron skillet for about 10 seconds on each side. Press down lightly with your spatula to warm them through.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
To assemble each taco, place 3-4 shrimp in each warmed tortilla. Top with slaw mixture and drizzle some of the reserved sauce over it. Serve immediately for best taste!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Serving your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos is a delightful experience. You can enhance the flavor and presentation of your tacos with various toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.
Fresh Toppings
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a nice texture and flavor.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide a juicy burst and color.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors.
Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa adds a fruity twist that pairs well with shrimp.
Extra Sauces
- Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce brings an extra kick.
- Creamy Dressing: A drizzle of ranch or cilantro dressing can add creaminess to your tacos.
Garnishes
- Chopped Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor and great color.
- Extra Cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and enhance its freshness.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To ensure your shrimp tacos turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips. Each step can make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have better flavor and texture than frozen ones.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Heating tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them easier to fold.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to adjust taco seasoning for personal preference.
- Mix Slaw Right Before Serving: This keeps the slaw crisp, making your tacos more enjoyable.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try adding different vegetables or proteins for variety in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your tacos can create a complete meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors of your shrimp tacos beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices pairs well with the shrimp’s flavors.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and richness to balance the dish.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky char that enhances taco night.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and avocado is nutritious and delicious.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized offer both health benefits and flavor.
- Guacamole: Smooth guacamole adds richness that complements the spicy shrimp well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to rush through recipes, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe to the next level.
- seasoning: Not using enough seasoning can lead to bland tacos. Ensure you coat the shrimp evenly with taco seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the slaw: Some may skip the slaw, but it adds critical crunch and freshness. Don’t forget this component for texture and taste.
- Overcooking shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink, usually a few minutes on each side.
- Cold tortillas: Using cold tortillas can spoil the taco experience. Warm them up in a skillet to enhance their flavor and softness.
- Ignoring sauce: Forgetting the sauce can make your tacos dry. Drizzle some on top before serving for added creaminess and tang.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the slaw and sauce separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp separately for up to 1 month.
- Wrap in freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat tacos for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but be cautious to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them under cold water before cooking for best results.
What toppings go well with shrimp tacos?
Consider adding fresh avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
How do I make the slaw more flavorful?
You can add lime juice or additional spices to the slaw mix for a zesty kick.
Can I customize the sauce in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preference or add spicy elements like sriracha.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also versatile. You can customize it with different toppings or sauces based on your preferences. Try it out, and enjoy these delightful tacos that are sure to impress!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per serving) 1x
Description
Indulge in these 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos, a perfect blend of spicy, succulent shrimp and crisp slaw, all enveloped in warm corn tortillas. This quick and delightful dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 9 corn tortillas
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup mayo (preferably avocado oil mayo)
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning (for sauce)
- Pinch cayenne
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, season raw shrimp with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne, and black pepper in a small bowl for the sauce.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and cook seasoned shrimp until pink on both sides.
- Combine coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and salt; stir in most of the sauce.
- Warm each tortilla in a skillet for about 10 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp in tortillas, topping with slaw mixture and drizzling reserved sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 220g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
