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shrimp tacos

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

The Crispy Chef
These spicy shrimp tacos are packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Quick to make in under 30 minutes, they feature juicy, seasoned shrimp, a zesty cabbage slaw, and a creamy taco sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cabbage Slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage mix of purple and green
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

For the Shrimp Taco Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayo
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

For Serving:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado slices
  • Extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

  • In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
  • Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss well. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

  • Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  • In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  • Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  • Spread sauce on each tortilla.
  • Top with cabbage slaw, 3-4 shrimp, avocado slices, and extra cilantro.
  • Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne or hot sauce.
Store leftovers separately to maintain freshness.
Slaw tastes better if made an hour ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSodium: 720mgSugar: 3g
Keyword easy shrimp recipe, Mexican food, seafood tacos, shrimp tacos, spicy tacos
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