15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe brings a burst of flavor and freshness to your table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos feature spicy, juicy shrimp, topped with crunchy slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortillas. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll love how quickly you can serve up deliciousness that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a last-minute dinner.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of taco seasoning and fresh ingredients creates vibrant flavors that will excite your taste buds.
- Versatile: Serve these tacos as a main dish, at a party, or as a fun family meal; they fit any occasion!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, these shrimp tacos are a guilt-free treat.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add toppings like avocado or salsa to personalize each taco.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need for this shrimp taco recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures the shrimp cook evenly without sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Spatula: Helps flip the shrimp easily for even cooking.
Ingredients
This 15 Minute Shrimp Tacos Recipe with slaw and spicy juicy shrimp, wrapped in warm corn tortilla has the best taste and texture.
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)
- 1 lime (juice of)
- 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, add shrimp, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, mayo, lime juice, remaining taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink on the bottom. Flip them over and cook until they are no longer gray. If you prefer extra char on your shrimp, press down gently with a spatula while cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, salt, and almost all of the sauce—reserve some sauce for drizzling later. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas
To warm your corn tortillas, heat them in a cast iron skillet for about 10 seconds on each side while pressing down with a spatula.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill each tortilla with 3-4 pieces of shrimp along with some slaw. Drizzle with reserved sauce before serving. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly tasty. Serving them the right way can enhance their flavor and presentation.
Fresh Ingredients
- Avocado slices: Add creamy avocado for richness.
- Lime wedges: Offer fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
- Extra cilantro: Sprinkle more chopped cilantro on top for freshness.
Toppings Bar
- Salsa: Set out a variety of salsas, such as mango or pico de gallo, to let guests customize their tacos.
- Hot sauce: Provide a selection of hot sauces for those who like it spicy.
- Chopped jalapeños: For an added heat, include fresh jalapeños on the side.
Accompaniments
- Corn chips: Serve with crispy corn chips and salsa for a crunchy side.
- Rice: Pair with cilantro lime rice for a filling meal option.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To ensure your shrimp tacos come out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works best; ensure they are thawed properly before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to achieve a nice sear.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak taco seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Warm tortillas properly: Warming tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them pliable for filling.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
A well-rounded meal always benefits from delightful side dishes. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside your shrimp tacos.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and spices makes a perfect pairing.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and pair well with tacos.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime complements the tacos beautifully.
- Guacamole: A classic avocado dip that adds creaminess and flavor.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes adds color and nutrition.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a great appetizer or side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks overlook some key details when making shrimp tacos. Avoiding these common mistakes can elevate your dish and ensure a delightful meal.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your shrimp well before cooking. This enhances their flavor and ensures every bite is delicious.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Keep an eye on them, as overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Aim for just pink and opaque.
- Neglecting the slaw: A fresh slaw adds crunch and balance. Make sure to use fresh ingredients and toss it in just before serving.
- Using cold tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas before filling them. This improves texture and makes them more pliable for folding.
- Not preparing enough sauce: Having extra sauce on hand allows for drizzling on top of the tacos, enhancing flavor with every bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Place assembled tacos in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each taco for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe that you may find helpful.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking.
What toppings work well with shrimp tacos?
Popular toppings include diced avocado, salsa, lime wedges, and chopped jalapeños for added spice.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add additional toppings like cheese or switch up the slaw with different veggies according to your taste!
What is the best way to serve these tacos?
These tacos are best served immediately after assembly while the tortillas are warm and the filling is fresh.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or side dishes, making it a versatile option that everyone will love!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per serving) 1x
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of our 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, a delightful dish that comes together in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos feature spicy, juicy shrimp wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with a crunchy slaw. The combination of savory taco seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a meal that will tantalize your taste buds. With just a few simple steps, you can serve up these flavorful tacos that everyone will love. Enjoy customizing them with your favorite toppings for an extra touch!
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 14 ounces bag of coleslaw (or 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 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
- Pinch cayenne
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper; set aside.
- Combine yogurt, mayo, lime juice, remaining taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in another bowl; stir until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat; add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink.
- In a large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce.
- Warm corn tortillas in a skillet for about 10 seconds on each side.
- Assemble tacos by filling each tortilla with shrimp and slaw; drizzle with reserved sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
