15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The spicy, juicy shrimp paired with crunchy slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortillas makes for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting Taco Tuesday or just want a flavorful weeknight dish, these tacos are sure to impress. Plus, they come together in no time, making them a go-to recipe for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients delivers vibrant flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish or served as appetizers at parties.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with shrimp and veggies, offering plenty of nutrients without sacrificing taste.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious shrimp tacos efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures that the shrimp cooks evenly without sticking, making cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients comfortably while maintaining organization.
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
For Assembly
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium bowl, add shrimp, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until well coated and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
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. Continue cooking 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, cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce—reserve some sauce for drizzling later. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Heat each corn tortilla in your cast-iron skillet for about 10 seconds on each side while pressing down slightly with a spatula.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill each warm tortilla with 3-4 shrimps and some slaw mixture. Drizzle with remaining sauce as desired. Serve immediately for best results!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are not only quick to make but also versatile in how you serve them. You can elevate the experience with various toppings and sides that complement the flavors of shrimp and slaw.
Fresh Toppings
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds a rich texture that balances the spicy shrimp.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings a zesty kick.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling effect against the spiciness.
Hot Sauce Options
- Chipotle Hot Sauce – Adds smoky heat that enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
- Salsa Verde – Offers a tangy contrast with its tomatillo base, perfect for those who enjoy vibrant flavors.
Additional Sides
- Corn Salad – A refreshing side dish that complements the tacos beautifully.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice – Adds a fragrant touch and pairs well with Mexican cuisine.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To make your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos even better, consider these simple tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp offers superior taste compared to frozen options.
- Adjust Spices – Customize the taco seasoning to match your spice preference; add more cayenne for extra heat.
- Warm Tortillas Properly – Warming tortillas on high heat makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Cook shrimp just until pink; overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Experiment with Slaw – Try adding different vegetables like carrots or radishes for crunch and color.
- Make Ahead Sauce – Prepare the sauce ahead of time for easy assembly during meal prep.
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 ideas.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and spices is a classic pairing.
- Black Bean Salad – A protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, peppers, and lime dressing adds freshness.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a satisfying appetizer before tacos.
- Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip complements the shrimp’s flavors beautifully—perfect for dipping!
- Rice and Beans – A hearty side that rounds out your meal while adding fiber and protein.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add color and taste alongside tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, a few common pitfalls can affect your dish’s overall quality.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not seasoning your shrimp properly can lead to bland tacos. Always season your shrimp with taco seasoning and other spices before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Aim for just until they turn pink and opaque for the perfect texture.
- Neglecting Tortilla Preparation: Cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Warm your corn tortillas in a skillet for a few seconds on each side to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Using the Wrong Sauces: The sauce adds creaminess and flavor. Don’t skip it! Use yogurt and mayo blended with lime juice to complement the shrimp perfectly.
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can affect taste. Always opt for fresh cilantro and crispy coleslaw for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will last up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- For best results, freeze cooked shrimp separately from tortillas and slaw.
- Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place tacos on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Rewarm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries about the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
You may substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if you prefer, although it will change the overall taste slightly.
How do I customize my shrimp tacos?
Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cheese according to your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These tacos are quick to prepare and can easily be made ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
The 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor and texture. This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces. Try it today for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per serving) 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with these 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This quick recipe features tender, spicy shrimp enveloped in warm corn tortillas, complemented by a crunchy slaw that adds freshness and texture. Ready in just 15 minutes, these tacos are not only delicious but also customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re planning Taco Tuesday or a cozy dinner at home, this vibrant seafood dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 9 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with taco seasoning and garlic powder; set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt, lime juice, and remaining taco seasoning; set aside.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and cook shrimp until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- In another bowl, toss coleslaw mix with cilantro and some sauce.
- Warm tortillas in the skillet for about 10 seconds on each side.
- Assemble tacos by adding shrimp and slaw to each tortilla; drizzle with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
