Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Spicy Shrimp Tacos! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in warm corn tortillas, bursting with zesty flavors that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Whether you're a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply craving a quick and delicious meal, these tacos are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning and searing.
- In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt to create a spice marinade. Toss the shrimp in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and develop a slight char. They should be opaque and slightly curled.
- While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or directly over a gas flame for about 30 seconds on each side to enhance their flavor and make them pliable.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the heat and let them rest for a minute to retain moisture.
- Assemble the tacos by placing shredded cabbage on each warm tortilla, then topping with the spicy shrimp.
- Spoon salsa over the shrimp and garnish with fresh lime wedges for added brightness and acidity.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and the tortillas are warm.
Tips
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before marinating to ensure a perfect sear and maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp - give them space to develop a beautiful golden char.
- Warming tortillas directly over a gas flame or on a hot skillet adds an authentic smoky flavor and makes them more pliable.
- Use fresh lime wedges to brighten the dish and add a zesty kick just before serving.
- For extra heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the spice marinade or serve with a side of hot sauce.
- Choose medium or large shrimp for the best texture and most impressive presentation.
- If you're short on time, you can prep the shrimp marinade and chop cabbage in advance to speed up cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
