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To make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos, gather these items: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced to perfection - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Juice of 2 fresh limes - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves - Lime wedges If you can’t find large shrimp, you can use medium shrimp. They work well, too. For olive oil, you might use canola oil. It has a mild flavor. If you want less heat, cut back on cayenne pepper or leave it out. Instead of red cabbage, try green cabbage or lettuce for crunch. You can swap avocado for sour cream or yogurt for creaminess. To make these tacos, you need some basic tools: - A large mixing bowl for marinating the shrimp - A large skillet for cooking the shrimp - Another skillet for warming the tortillas - A sharp knife for slicing vegetables - A cutting board for safe chopping - A spatula for flipping the shrimp With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to create a tasty meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need one pound of shrimp, three tablespoons of olive oil, and four cloves of minced garlic. Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper for some heat. Squeeze the juice from two fresh limes into a large bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Now, toss the shrimp in this mix. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Let it sit for about five minutes. This short marinating time helps the shrimp soak up all those great flavors. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking. Once it’s ready, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for two to three minutes on each side. Look for that nice pink color and opaque center. That’s when you know they’re done. Remove the skillet from the heat once they are ready. While the shrimp cooks, grab another skillet and warm up your corn tortillas. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them soft and warm, ready for the filling. Now, let’s build those tacos! Start with a generous spoonful of shrimp on each tortilla. Add a pile of finely shredded red cabbage for crunch. Then, place slices of ripe avocado on top for creaminess. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the tacos. Serve them with lime wedges on the side. This way, everyone can add a zesty squeeze to their tacos. Enjoy this quick and tasty meal! To cook shrimp just right, use large shrimp for great flavor. Marinate them for 5 minutes to boost taste. Heat your skillet well before adding shrimp. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. Look for a bright pink color. This means they are done. Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery, so watch closely. If you have a food thermometer, cook until they reach 120°F for safety. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a dash of lime zest to the marinade. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños for more heat. Want a smoky taste? Substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder. For a fresh twist, add diced mango or pineapple on top. This adds sweetness and a nice contrast to the spicy shrimp. When serving, stack your tacos high with toppings. Start with the shrimp, then add red cabbage for crunch. Next, layer on the creamy avocado slices. Don’t forget fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side. This lets everyone squeeze in some extra zest. For a fun touch, set up a taco bar. Let guests build their own tacos with their favorite toppings! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always choose the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a clean, briny smell. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 5 minutes, but if time permits, let them sit for up to 30 minutes. This enhances the flavors significantly. Perfectly Warm Tortillas: To prevent your tortillas from tearing, warm them gently until they are pliable. A dry skillet works great to achieve this without adding extra fat. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sour cream for extra flavor and texture. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works great in this recipe. Just cut it into small pieces. Cook it until golden brown. Fish is another tasty option. Use flaky white fish like mahi-mahi. Just season it the same way as shrimp. If you want a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms. Sauté them with garlic and spices. Cauliflower is another good choice. Roast it until tender, then season well. Tofu can also shine here. Make sure to press it well before cooking. Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor. Fresh salsa can add a nice kick. Try pineapple salsa for a sweet touch. It pairs well with the shrimp’s spice. You can store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the shrimp separate from the tortillas. This will stop the tortillas from getting soggy. The shrimp will stay fresh for about 2 days in the fridge. If you have leftover toppings, store them in small containers. Always label your containers so you know what's inside! To reheat the shrimp, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Stir them for about 3-4 minutes until hot. Avoid using the microwave since it can make the shrimp rubbery. For tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This will help restore their softness and flavor. You can freeze cooked shrimp for later meals. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before packing. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The shrimp will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or run cold water over them for a quick thaw. This helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best texture. If you don't have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead. They are soft and easy to wrap. You can also try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Both alternatives work well with the spicy garlic shrimp and add a nice touch to the dish. These tacos have a nice kick from cayenne pepper. If you like spice, you'll love them. However, you can adjust the heat. Use less cayenne for milder tacos. You can also add toppings like sour cream or avocado to cool the spice. This guide covers making delicious shrimp tacos. We discussed key ingredients, valuable cooking tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned how to prepare shrimp, warm tortillas, and assemble your meal. Useful tips helped you achieve perfect shrimp with exciting flavor twists. Remember, you can easily substitute ingredients and try various proteins. Don't forget to store and reheat any leftovers wisely. Enjoy your shrimp tacos and have fun experimenting in the kitchen! Your culinary journey begins now.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with spicy garlic shrimp, fresh avocado, and crunchy cabbage.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 juices fresh limes
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • a handful fresh cilantro leaves
  • as needed lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until they are well-coated and marinated. Allow the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is sizzling hot. Carefully add the shrimp mixture to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque in the center. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
  • While the shrimp cooks, take another skillet and warm the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing a generous spoonful of the cooked shrimp onto each tortilla. Pile high with shredded red cabbage and add the sliced avocado.
  • Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Allow shrimp to marinate for enhanced flavor.
Keyword avocado, garlic, shrimp, spicy, tacos