15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a delicious and quick meal option, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines spicy, juicy shrimp with crisp slaw and warm corn tortillas, creating a delightful flavor and texture mix. Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy night in, these tacos are sure to impress with their vibrant taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of taco seasoning, garlic, and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy these shrimp tacos as a main dish or serve them as appetizers at your next gathering.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe is a nutritious choice for dinner.
- Customization: You can easily add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you will need for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Spatula
- Cast iron skillet (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making it easier to prepare shrimp perfectly.
- Spatula: Ideal for flipping shrimp and pressing them down for extra char during 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)
Other
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- 9 corn tortillas
- Easy guacamole (optional)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium bowl, add the raw shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly. Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, mayo, lime juice, remaining taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Add avocado oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook until they turn pink on one side. Flip them over and cook until no longer gray. For extra charred flavors, press down on each shrimp with a spatula as they cook. Alternatively, you can grill them on a silicone grill mat over high heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and salt. Add almost all of the sauce you prepared earlier but reserve some for drizzling on top later. Stir gently to combine everything well.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas
To warm up your corn tortillas, place them in a cast iron skillet over high heat for about 10 seconds per side while pressing gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place 3-4 pieces of cooked shrimp in each tortilla followed by some slaw mixture. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top before serving immediately. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Serving shrimp tacos is all about enhancing their delicious flavors and making them appealing. Here are some creative serving suggestions with a twist.
With Fresh Lime Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an extra zesty flavor.
Topped with Extra Cilantro
- Garnish with more finely chopped cilantro to brighten up your dish and add freshness.
Served with Easy Guacamole
- Offer a side of easy guacamole for a creamy addition that pairs perfectly with the spicy shrimp.
Accompanied by Hot Sauce
- Provide a few bottles of your favorite hot sauces for those who enjoy an added kick.
On a Bed of Lettuce
- Serve the tacos on a bed of crispy lettuce for a low-carb alternative that adds crunch.
With Pickled Red Onions
- Add pickled red onions on top for a tangy contrast that complements the shrimp beautifully.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Perfecting your shrimp tacos can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips to get it just right.
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your tacos.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook just until pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Heat tortillas in a skillet until soft but not crispy, ensuring they hold all the fillings without tearing.
- Customize Your Slaw: Feel free to add other ingredients like carrots or bell peppers to the slaw for extra crunch and color.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try different seasonings or spice blends if you want to change up the flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy tacos right after assembling to maintain the warmth of the tortillas and freshness of the ingredients.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Complementing your shrimp tacos with side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices offers a comforting companion.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide protein and pair well with the flavors of shrimp.
- Corn Salsa – A fresh corn salsa adds sweetness and crunch, perfect alongside spicy shrimp.
- Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring additional depth to your meal.
- Black Bean Salad – A refreshing black bean salad can add fiber and nutrients while complementing the tacos.
- Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into the main dish.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa – This light yet flavorful quinoa dish enhances your taco experience with its herby notes.
- Avocado Salad – A simple salad featuring avocado slices offers creamy richness that balances out the spices in your tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people struggle with making shrimp tacos, leading to less than perfect results. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Ignoring seasoning balance: Ensure you use enough taco seasoning for flavor. Adjust to your taste preference for a well-rounded dish.
- Using cold tortillas: Cold corn tortillas can ruin the texture. Warm them briefly in a hot skillet for better taste and flexibility.
- Not letting the slaw marinate: Allowing the slaw to sit for a few minutes helps flavors meld. Don’t skip this step for maximum taste.
- Skipping fresh toppings: Fresh herbs like cilantro add brightness. Always include these for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Freeze cooked shrimp separately from tortillas and slaw.
- Use airtight freezer bags or containers; they will last up to 3 months.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm tacos on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.
How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of regular ones.
What is the best way to serve shrimp tacos?
Serve immediately after assembly with fresh toppings like avocado and lime wedges.
Can I customize the slaw?
Absolutely! You can add additional veggies or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not just quick but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or salsas for even more deliciousness!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos total) 1x
Description
Quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners, this 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe combines spicy, juicy shrimp with crisp slaw and warm corn tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup mayo (preferably avocado oil)
- 9 corn tortillas
- Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, coat shrimp with taco seasoning and garlic powder.
- For the sauce, mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, cayenne pepper, and remaining taco seasoning in a small bowl.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat with avocado oil. Cook the seasoned shrimp until pink and charred on both sides.
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and salt; add most of the sauce and mix gently.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet for about 10 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp and slaw in each tortilla; drizzle with remaining sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
