15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. With juicy shrimp tossed in taco seasoning, crunchy slaw, and wrapped in warm corn tortillas, these tacos are not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a family-friendly meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its simple ingredients and vibrant taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Whip up these shrimp tacos in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spicy shrimp and fresh slaw creates a delicious contrast that delights your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve with easy guacamole or extra sauce for added flavor, allowing customization for every palate.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and nutrients from veggies, these tacos offer a nutritious meal choice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these tacos suit various tastes and can be easily scaled up for larger groups.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and faster.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cast iron skillet (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Prevents shrimp from sticking while cooking, ensuring even browning and easier cleanup.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess, making it easier to prepare sauces and slaws.
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 Assembly
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
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)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium bowl, add shrimp along with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly. Set aside for about five minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In another small bowl, combine plain yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and additional black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Add a drizzle of avocado oil before adding the seasoned shrimp. Cook until pink on one side—approximately 2-3 minutes—then flip them over. Cook until they are no longer gray. For extra charred flavor, press down on each shrimp lightly with a spatula while cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, mix together coleslaw, chopped cilantro, salt, and almost all of the prepared sauce. Reserve some sauce for drizzling over assembled tacos. Gently toss to combine without bruising the cabbage.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas
To warm your corn tortillas, heat a cast iron skillet on high heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 10 seconds per side while pressing down gently with a spatula until warmed through.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill each warmed tortilla with 3-4 pieces of cooked shrimp and add some slaw on top. Drizzle with reserved sauce before serving immediately. Enjoy your flavorful tacos!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering. You can customize them with various toppings and side dishes to elevate the meal.
Fresh Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice that adds a zesty kick.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango combined with red onion and jalapeño for a tropical twist.
Creamy Toppings
- Easy Guacamole: Creamy avocado blended with lime and seasonings brings richness to each bite.
- Spicy Sour Cream: Add sriracha or hot sauce to sour cream for a spicy, creamy topping.
Extra Veggies
- Pickled Red Onions: These add crunch and acidity that balance the flavors of the tacos.
- Radish Slices: Thinly sliced radishes provide a refreshing crunch and a pop of color.
Additional Proteins
- Black Beans: Serve alongside or inside the tacos for added protein and fiber.
- Grilled Chicken: For those who want a heartier meal, grilled chicken can be an excellent addition.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To ensure your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos turn out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly Season the Shrimp: Don’t skimp on taco seasoning; it’s essential for flavoring the shrimp well.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like cilantro and cabbage enhance taste and texture.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming tortillas in a skillet makes them more pliable and improves their flavor.
- Balance Your Sauce: Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste; you can make it spicier or creamier based on preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook until just pink; overcooking can make shrimp rubbery.
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the best flavors, serve tacos right after assembling them.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing sides with your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the tacos beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add heartiness and pair well with shrimp flavors.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, bell peppers, and lime gives sweetness and crunch.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with your favorite salsa make for great appetizers.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled with olive oil bring additional flavor and nutrients.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A healthy alternative to rice that adds protein while keeping it light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them tough. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Skipping seasoning: Without proper seasoning, your tacos may lack flavor. Be generous with taco seasoning and spices for a tasty result.
- Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can be unappetizing. Always warm them just before filling for a better texture and taste.
- Not preparing the slaw ahead of time: A fresh slaw adds crunch and flavor. Prepare it beforehand so it can marinate a bit before serving.
- Ignoring portion sizes: Filling your tacos too full makes them hard to eat. Aim for 3-4 shrimp per taco for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep shrimp and slaw separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tortillas in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat shrimp on a baking sheet until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and stir-fry shrimp until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure you thaw the shrimp thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Consider adding diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or fresh lime wedges for extra flavor.
How can I customize my slaw?
Feel free to add ingredients like carrots or bell peppers for additional crunch and color.
What is the best way to serve these tacos?
Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture. Pair with sides like rice or beans if desired.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe offers both delicious flavors and versatility. You can easily modify it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. Try it out, and enjoy a quick yet satisfying meal that brings joy to any dinner table!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Discover the deliciousness of our 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe—a perfect solution for busy weeknights! These tacos feature succulent shrimp seasoned with zesty taco spices, topped with a refreshing crunchy slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s bursting with flavor and bound to impress family and friends alike. Serve these vibrant tacos at casual gatherings or enjoy them as a quick dinner option. Customize your toppings to suit every palate and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Pinch cayenne
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne, and black pepper until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat with avocado oil. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
- Toss coleslaw with chopped cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce in a large bowl.
- Warm tortillas in a hot skillet for about 10 seconds each side.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp and slaw in tortillas; drizzle with reserved sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 220g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
