15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is your go-to meal when you crave something delicious yet quick. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, these tacos are filled with spicy, juicy shrimp and a crunchy slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. The combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, ensuring your family will ask for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that impresses.
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of taco seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a taste explosion in every bite.
- Healthier Option: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and fresh veggies, they make for a nutritious dinner choice.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy them as a casual dinner or serve at parties; they’re perfect for any occasion.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal equipment needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures even cooking without sticking, perfect for achieving that ideal shrimp texture.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients efficiently while keeping everything organized.
- Spatula: Great for flipping shrimp and serving tacos without making a mess.
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 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, combine shrimp with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly. Set aside to marinate briefly while preparing other components.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In another small bowl, mix together yogurt, mayo, lime juice, additional taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Add a drizzle of avocado oil. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook until pink on one side; flip and cook until no longer gray. For added char flavor, press down gently on each shrimp with your spatula during cooking. Alternatively, grill the shrimp on a silicone mat if preferred.
Step 4: Combine Slaw Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce you prepared earlier—reserve some sauce for drizzling later. Gently stir to mix everything without bruising the slaw.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas
To warm tortillas effectively, place them in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Heat each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side while pressing down gently with a spatula to enhance warmth.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill each warmed tortilla with 3-4 pieces of cooked shrimp followed by a generous scoop of slaw. Drizzle remaining sauce on top before serving immediately. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are deliciously versatile, perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.
With Fresh Lime Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Top with Extra Cilantro
- Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top for freshness and vibrant color.
Add Sliced Jalapeños
- For those who enjoy a kick, add sliced jalapeños to give your tacos some heat.
Serve with Salsa Verde
- A side of salsa verde complements the shrimp and adds a zesty touch.
Pair with Margaritas
- Enjoy these tacos with refreshing margaritas for a classic Mexican meal combination.
How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To make your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos even better, here are some helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will offer the best flavor and texture. If possible, choose wild-caught shrimp over farmed.
- Customize the Slaw: Feel free to add other vegetables like red cabbage or carrots to your slaw for more color and crunch.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer milder tacos, reduce the amount of cayenne in the sauce.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Ensure tortillas are warm and pliable by heating them in a dry skillet. This helps prevent tearing when assembling.
- Make Ahead Sauce: Prepare the yogurt sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for enhanced flavors.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Try different spice blends if you want to switch up the flavor profile of your shrimp.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes and spices complements the tacos beautifully.
- Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and fiber, making a hearty side.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with lime dressing adds crunch and sweetness.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is a classic pairing that enhances the flavors of shrimp tacos.
- Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with homemade salsa create a fun appetizer.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled peppers and zucchini add healthy color to your plate.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness and freshness.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A light quinoa dish flavored with cilantro and lime is a nutritious alternative to rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can dampen the experience. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly.
- Inadequate seasoning: Many people skimp on seasoning their shrimp. Use a generous amount of taco seasoning and garlic powder for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking makes them tough. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Neglecting the tortilla: Warming tortillas is crucial for an enjoyable texture. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall experience.
- Skipping the slaw: The slaw adds crunch and freshness. Make sure to include it for balanced flavors and textures in each bite.
- Not reserving sauce: If you mix all the sauce with the slaw at once, you might run out for drizzling later. Always save some for serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep tortillas separate to maintain their texture.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- You can freeze cooked shrimp (without the tortillas) for up to 3 months.
- Place shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté shrimp until heated, about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just thaw them completely before cooking.
How can I customize my 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
You can add toppings like salsa, cheese, or jalapeños for extra flavor!
What type of tortillas should I use?
Corn tortillas are traditional and provide great flavor and texture, but flour tortillas can also be used if preferred.
Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe features lean protein and is relatively low in calories compared to many other dinner options.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also incredibly delicious. With its balance of spicy shrimp and fresh slaw wrapped in warm tortillas, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes—these tacos are versatile enough to suit any taste!
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, these tacos feature succulent shrimp seasoned to perfection, complemented by a crunchy slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortillas. With a delightful balance of spices and textures, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether served at a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are versatile enough to please any palate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 9 corn tortillas
- Fresh lime (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with taco seasoning and garlic powder; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix yogurt, lime juice, and remaining taco seasoning to create the sauce.
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat and sauté the marinated shrimp until pink.
- In a large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with chopped cilantro and some sauce.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet briefly on each side.
- Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with shrimp and slaw; drizzle with extra sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
