15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
The 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. These tacos feature tender, spicy shrimp paired with a fresh slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they are suitable for any occasion—from family dinners to taco night with friends. You’ll love how simple and delicious these shrimp tacos are!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Amazing Flavor: The combination of spiced shrimp with zesty slaw creates a burst of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your tacos with favorite toppings like guacamole or extra cilantro for a personal touch.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, these tacos provide a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy assembling their own tacos, making mealtime fun and interactive.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking of the shrimp while preventing them from sticking.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized as you prepare the sauce and slaw.
Ingredients
This 15 Minute Shrimp Tacos Recipe includes:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined (I left tails on))
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 14 ounces bag of coleslaw (or 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 9 corn tortillas
- Easy guacamole (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (2%+ fat)
- 1/4 cup mayo (I use avocado oil mayo)
- 1 lime (juice of)
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch cayenne
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, add the shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, mayo, lime juice, additional taco seasoning, cayenne, and more black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat a large ceramic non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn pink on one side. Flip them over and continue cooking until no longer gray. For added char, press gently on the shrimp with a spatula or grill them on high heat using a silicone grill mat.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, salt, and most of the prepared sauce—reserve some for drizzling later. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Heat corn tortillas in a cast iron skillet over high heat for about 10 seconds per side. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even warming.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with 3–4 pieces of shrimp followed by some slaw mix. Drizzle remaining sauce on top if desired. Serve immediately for best enjoyment!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Serving your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a delightful experience. These tacos can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing their flavor and presentation.
Fresh Garnishes
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for a zesty kick.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to elevate flavor and color.
Accompaniments
- Easy Guacamole: Serve alongside creamy guacamole for added richness.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy salsa verde pairs well, adding freshness to each bite.
- Pickled Red Onions: These add a sweet and tangy crunch that complements the shrimp.
Serving Style
- Taco Bar: Create a taco bar with all the ingredients laid out for a fun, interactive meal.
- Plated Meal: Serve the tacos on a plate with slaw and sauce drizzled over for an elegant look.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To ensure your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the taco seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming tortillas enhances their pliability and flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque for optimal tenderness.
- Customize Slaw Ingredients: Experiment with different veggies in your slaw for varied textures and flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos right after assembling for the best taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing sides with your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe can enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice side with spices complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the dish.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and avocado provides great nutrition.
- Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a tasty appetizer before tacos.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal grilled vegetables bring color and healthy flavors to your plate.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This light side dish offers a refreshing twist that pairs well with shrimp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your shrimp properly can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to coat your shrimp with taco seasoning and garlic powder for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Aim for a pink color and remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
- Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Warm them in a skillet to enhance texture and flavor before filling them.
- Not adjusting slaw ingredients: A basic slaw might not provide enough crunch or flavor. Customize with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or even some spicy peppers.
- Forgetting the sauce: Skipping the creamy sauce can lead to dry tacos. Ensure you drizzle some over your assembled tacos for added richness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Freeze shrimp separately from tortillas and slaw for best results.
- They can be stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but be cautious as this may make tortillas soggy.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries about the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed thoroughly before cooking.
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas or lettuce wraps are great alternatives if you prefer something different.
How do I make it spicier?
To add more heat, consider including diced jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning blend in your recipe.
Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the slaw a day in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
The 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize these tacos by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels. Enjoy creating this delightful dish that everyone will love!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the joy of our 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. These tacos feature succulent shrimp seasoned with a zesty blend, nestled in warm corn tortillas and topped with a refreshing slaw.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces bag of coleslaw mix
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (chopped)
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Plain yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Lime juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground pepper. Mix well.
- In another bowl, mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, additional taco seasoning, cayenne, and pepper for the sauce.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and cook the shrimp until pink on both sides.
- In a large bowl, mix coleslaw, cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet for about 10 seconds each side.
- Fill each tortilla with shrimp and slaw; drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
