Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) For this dish, I always choose large shrimp. They provide a great bite and cook fast. Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor. I love using olive oil for its fruity notes. The spices elevate the shrimp. Smoked paprika gives it depth. Cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can adjust it. Cumin rounds out the flavor and adds warmth. For the tacos, I like small corn tortillas. They hold the filling well. Shredded red cabbage adds crunch and color. A ripe avocado makes the dish creamy. Fresh cilantro provides a fresh touch. Lime wedges add zing when served. These ingredients come together for a tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix the shrimp well so every piece gets coated with the spices. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors mix and soak into the shrimp. You can marinate longer if you want stronger flavors. Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Make sure not to crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the heat to keep them tender. Now, let’s warm up those corn tortillas. In the same skillet, lightly toast them for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is important; warm tortillas are more pliable and easier to fold. Warming the tortillas also adds a nice flavor, making your tacos even better. To cook shrimp well, avoid overcooking it. Shrimp cooks fast. When it turns pink and opaque, it’s done. If you cook it too long, it will be tough and rubbery. Remember, cook it for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Choosing the right shrimp is also key. Look for large shrimp that are fresh or frozen. Buy shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease. If buying fresh, check for a clean, salty smell. For more flavor, consider adding spices. Try adding chili powder or garlic powder to boost the taste. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or dill. These can add a nice touch to your shrimp. Marinating time can change the flavor. A quick 15-minute marinate is enough, but if you want a deeper taste, try marinating for up to an hour. This gives the shrimp time to soak up the spices. For a pretty plate, stack your tacos neatly. Use a colorful plate to show off the bright toppings. Add lime wedges for a pop of color. Some great sides to pair with tacos include rice or black beans. You can also serve a fresh salad to balance the meal. Don’t forget a spicy salsa for extra zing! Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes for a deeper flavor infusion. Adjusting Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance; you can also use a milder pepper if preferred. Tortilla Tips: Warm your tortillas on a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and flexibility before filling them. Fresh Garnish: Always use fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving to elevate the dish's freshness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the shrimp for chicken or fish. Chicken works great with the same spices. Just cut it into small pieces and cook until it's done. For fish, try a firm type like tilapia or cod. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu. Cook them with the same seasonings for a tasty twist. Both options keep the dish flavorful and exciting. Toppings make these tacos special. You can create unique salsa recipes to try. A mango salsa adds sweetness. Just mix diced mango, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. For garnishes, use sliced radishes or pickled onions. These add crunch and flavor. Don't forget to sprinkle extra cilantro on top. It brings freshness to every bite. Corn tortillas are classic for tacos. They bring a nice texture and flavor. You can warm them in a skillet for a few seconds. If you prefer flour tortillas, they work too. They are soft and easy to fold. Looking for low-carb options? Try lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. They are light and fresh, perfect for a healthy meal. To keep leftover shrimp fresh, store it quickly. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Set your fridge to 40°F or below. Shrimp can last about 2-3 days this way. If you have extra marinade, keep it in a separate container. It can add flavor when you reheat the shrimp. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil over low heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently. This keeps the shrimp moist. If using a microwave, place shrimp in a safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as shrimp can become rubbery. You can freeze shrimp tacos for later use. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will last about 3 months. To thaw, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, put the bag under cold running water. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Marinate the shrimp in advance and store it in the fridge. You can do this up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors blend well. You can also chop the veggies and store them in airtight containers. Warm the tortillas just before serving for the best taste. If you do not want shrimp, try chicken or fish. Chicken breast works well when cut into small pieces. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu. Both can soak up the flavors of the spices. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. The spice level can change based on your taste. The recipe uses cayenne pepper for heat. You can start with less if you prefer milder tacos. For more kick, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. Always taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice. In this blog post, we explored making spicy garlic shrimp tacos. We covered the key ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and spices. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking the shrimp, plus toasting tortillas. You learned best practices, flavor tips, and variations, including proteins and toppings. In the end, these tacos are versatile and full of flavor. Experimenting with different ingredients can make your meals exciting. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Delicious tacos filled with spicy garlic shrimp, topped with fresh avocado and cabbage.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 unit Juice of lime
to taste Salt and pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 ripe avocado, sliced
for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped
for serving Lime wedges

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices.
Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
While the shrimp is marinating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, lightly toast the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until warmed and pliable.
To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of shredded red cabbage on each tortilla, followed by a few pieces of garlic shrimp. Top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty finish.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.

Keyword avocado, garlic, shrimp, spicy, tacos