A Taste Of The Sea: Zesty Shrimp Tacos

I still remember the first time I tasted shrimp tacos. I was out for dinner with some friends, and as soon as this dish arrived at the table, I knew I had to try it. The flavorful combination of smoky shrimp, fresh vegetables, and crunchy shells was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. From that moment on, shrimp tacos have been one of my go-to dishes. Today, I’m going to share my recipe for this delicious, flavorful meal so you can experience it at home!

Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

• 18-20 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3-4 soft shell tacos
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin and sea salt.
• Place shrimp in a large bowl and pour the olive oil mixture over them. Mix until shrimp are fully coated.
• Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through and lightly golden.
• While the shrimp is baking, assemble the tacos. Place each taco shell on a plate, then fill each taco with a handful of red cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
• Once the shrimp is done baking, divide the shrimp between the tacos. Top each taco with a dollop of Greek yogurt, slices of avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Serve the tacos with a lime wedge and extra Greek yogurt for added flavor. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 460
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 300mg
• Sodium: 610mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 40g

What types of shrimp can be used in tacos?

When it comes to shrimp tacos, there are a variety of types of shrimp that can be used. Popular varieties include black tiger shrimp, freshwater shrimp, and pink shrimp. All of these can be cooked, peeled, and diced to make a delicious and flavorful taco filling.

Black Tiger Shrimp

Black tiger shrimp are a type of wild-caught shrimp that are usually imported from countries like Thailand, India, or Indonesia. They are known for their sweet taste and firm texture and they are a great choice for shrimp tacos. They can be pan-fried, grilled, or baked before being added to the tacos.

Freshwater Shrimp

Freshwater shrimp are a type of farmed shrimp that are often sourced from countries like Vietnam or China. They are slightly smaller than black tiger shrimp and have a slightly milder flavor. They are generally easier to cook and can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed before being diced and added to the tacos.

Pink Shrimp

Pink shrimp are a type of wild-caught shrimp that are usually sourced from the Gulf of Mexico. They are known for their sweet flavor and juicy texture and they are a great choice for tacos. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or grilled before being added to the tacos.

No matter which type of shrimp you choose, shrimp tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please. With a variety of types of shrimp to choose from, you can make a delicious taco that is sure to be the talk of the meal.

What other ingredients pair well with shrimp tacos?

A variety of ingredients pair well with shrimp tacos, allowing you to customize the flavor to your own tastes. Popular additions include cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, cabbage, and onions. You can also add a variety of sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce, for extra flavor. To top it off, adding a few cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice can add a nice touch of brightness to the tacos.

Shrimp tacos are a great way to enjoy seafood in a flavorful and satisfying way. Cheese adds a nice creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together, while the pico de gallo and guacamole add a nice freshness to the dish. Cabbage and onions provide crunch and texture, while the sauces add a bit of heat and acidity. Finally, the cilantro and lime juice provide a bright, citrusy finish.

To ensure the best flavor, you should use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp, corn tortillas, and freshly-made pico de gallo, guacamole, and sauces will all help to create a delicious taco. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Cotija or queso fresco, to add a bit of richness.

By adding a variety of ingredients, you can make shrimp tacos that are sure to please any palate. Whether you want a cheesy, spicy, or bright taco, the possibilities are endless. Try experimenting with different ingredients to find the combination that is perfect for you.

What types of sauces can be used to top shrimp tacos?

There are an endless variety of sauces that can be used to top shrimp tacos. Some popular options include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and crema. Other options include pico de gallo, cilantro lime sauce, chipotle sauce, and various hot sauces.

For those looking to add a zesty flavor to their tacos, salsa is a great option. It can be either mild or spicy and can be store-bought or homemade. Guacamole is a favorite topping for shrimp tacos. It is creamy, flavorful, and pairs well with the shrimp. Sour cream or crema can be added for a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the shrimp.

Pico de gallo is a great topping for those looking for a fresh, crunchy addition to their tacos. It is made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos and is full of flavor. Cilantro lime sauce is another popular topping. It is made with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and chili powder and adds a zesty flavor to shrimp tacos. Chipotle sauce is a smoky, spicy sauce that can be added to give the tacos a kick. Lastly, various hot sauces can be used to add a spicy flavor to the tacos.

When it comes to shrimp tacos, there are endless possibilities for sauces. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, creamy, or tangy, there is a sauce that can take your tacos to the next level.

What is the best way to cook shrimp tacos?

The best way to cook shrimp tacos is to season the shrimp with your favorite spices, grill or sauté it, and then assemble the tacos with the desired toppings.

When seasoning the shrimp for tacos, you’ll want to choose spices that complement the flavor of the shrimp. Popular spices to use for tacos include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Depending on your preference, you might also want to add a bit of salt and pepper.

Once you’ve seasoned the shrimp, the next step is to grill or sauté it. Grilling the shrimp over medium-high heat will give it a smoky flavor and nice char. If you’re using a grill pan, it’s best to use a bit of oil to prevent sticking. For sautéing, you’ll want to use a bit of butter or oil in a hot pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for a few minutes until it’s opaque and pink throughout.

Finally, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Start with a warm tortilla, then add the cooked shrimp and top with your favorite toppings. Suggested toppings for shrimp tacos include diced tomatoes, cilantro, shredded lettuce, avocado, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice.

What are some creative ideas for shrimp tacos?

Shrimp tacos can be a tasty and creative dish to serve up for any occasion. Here are some of the most creative ideas for shrimp tacos that are sure to impress:

• Roasted Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa: Roast some shrimp with spices and serve it up in a taco with a mango salsa made from fresh mango, red onion, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
• Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado: Make a chipotle marinade for the shrimp and then top it with a creamy avocado puree for a delicious and unique taco.
• Thai Curry Shrimp Tacos: Make a flavorful Thai-style curry with shrimp and serve it up in a taco with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce for a unique twist.
• Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos: Fry up some chorizo with shrimp and serve it up in a taco with a side of guacamole and a lime wedge for a spicy kick.
• Shrimp Ceviche Tacos: Make a flavorful shrimp ceviche and serve it up in a taco with a side of chips and salsa for a light and flavorful meal.

These are just some of the creative ideas for shrimp tacos that are sure to impress.