15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its spicy, juicy shrimp and a refreshing slaw, these tacos are sure to impress everyone at the table. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout choice for family dinners or a quick lunch. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy delicious tacos in just 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight.
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of taco seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a tasty experience that will satisfy your cravings.
- Versatile Options: Customize your tacos with toppings like guacamole or additional veggies to suit your taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from slaw, these tacos are both nutritious and delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun of building their own tacos, making it an enjoyable meal for all ages.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, here are some essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Cast iron skillet
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making it perfect for frying shrimp.
- Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients easily without mess.
- Small bowl: Great for preparing sauces or dressings without requiring too much space.
- Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for warming tortillas perfectly.
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 Assembling
- 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 the shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well until all shrimp are coated evenly. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayo, lime juice, additional taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Set aside some sauce for drizzling later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink on one side; then flip them over and cook until no longer gray. For an extra charred flavor, press down gently on the shrimp with a spatula while flipping.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, mix together coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce you prepared earlier—reserve some sauce for topping later. Stir gently until everything is combined.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
In a cast iron skillet on high heat, warm each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side. Use your spatula to press down lightly on each tortilla while warming them.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill each warmed tortilla with about 3-4 shrimp pieces and top with slaw. Drizzle remaining sauce on top as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious tacos!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Serving your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this delicious meal.
Fresh Toppings
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spice.
- Chopped Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, fresh jalapeños bring an extra kick.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors, making every bite refreshing.
Accompaniments
- Corn Salsa: Sweet corn salsa pairs wonderfully with shrimp tacos, adding sweetness and crunch.
- Pickled Red Onions: The tangy flavor of pickled onions complements the tacos beautifully.
- Cotija Cheese: Crumbled Cotija cheese adds a salty, creamy element that enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To make your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos even more delightful, consider these tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture for your tacos.
- Marinate for Flavor: Letting the shrimp sit with seasoning for a few minutes can intensify their flavor.
- Control the Heat: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding shrimp for a perfect sear.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their taste.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different sauces like chipotle mayo or mango salsa for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the flavors of shrimp tacos perfectly.
- Black Beans: Protein-packed black beans add heartiness and pair well with Mexican cuisine.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of grilled bell peppers and zucchini adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a great appetizer or snack.
- Guacamole: Rich and creamy guacamole is a classic dip that goes hand-in-hand with shrimp tacos.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides a refreshing crunch that balances the meal’s richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the final taste and presentation.
- Ignoring shrimp quality – Using frozen shrimp can lead to a watery texture. Opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp for better results.
- Overcooking the shrimp – Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Aim for just pink and opaque for perfect tenderness.
- Skipping the seasoning – Lack of seasoning can make your tacos bland. Don’t forget taco seasoning and spices to enhance flavor.
- Neglecting the slaw – Forgetting to mix slaw with cilantro and sauce can lead to dull tacos. Ensure you combine these ingredients for a flavorful crunch.
- Warming tortillas improperly – Cold tortillas can break easily. Warm them thoroughly in a skillet to keep them pliable and delicious.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Freeze cooked shrimp separately from tortillas and slaw.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; consume within 1 month.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual tacos on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
This recipe is designed to be quick, taking only about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure you thaw them properly before cooking to avoid excess water.
What can I substitute for coleslaw in the shrimp tacos?
You can use shredded lettuce or kale as a fresh alternative if coleslaw isn’t available.
Can I customize the sauce in the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more spices or even chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor.
Are these tacos suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are not only quick but also bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for any weeknight dinner, they are highly customizable with various toppings or sauces. Give them a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of spicy shrimp with crunchy slaw wrapped in warm tortillas!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos each) 1x
Description
Indulge in these 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Juicy shrimp seasoned with zesty taco spices are paired with a refreshing slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This vibrant dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings.
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
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with taco seasoning and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl for the sauce.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and cook the shrimp until pink.
- In a large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and most of the sauce.
- Warm tortillas in a cast iron skillet for about 10 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with shrimp and slaw; drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
