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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients are simple yet bold. Fresh shrimp gives the dish a sweet taste. Garlic adds a strong kick that pairs well with the shrimp. Olive oil is key for cooking and adds richness. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Spices bring the shrimp to life. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Cayenne pepper gives a spicy touch, so adjust it to your taste. Ground cumin adds a nice earthy flavor. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, cut into wedges - Sour cream or Greek yogurt for drizzling (optional) - Hot sauce for serving (optional) When it comes to tacos, assembly is key. Small corn tortillas are perfect for holding everything. Avocado adds creaminess and balances the spice. Red cabbage provides crunch and color. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. Lime wedges help brighten the dish. You can drizzle sour cream or yogurt if you like. Hot sauce is a great option for those who want more heat. Each ingredient works together to create a rich, flavorful taco experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, and olive oil. Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to coat the shrimp evenly. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all those tasty flavors. While the shrimp marinates, it's time to prepare the toppings. Slice the avocado into wedges and finely shred the red cabbage. Chop the fresh cilantro, too. Arrange these colorful ingredients on a platter. This makes it easy to grab what you need when you start building your tacos. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 4-6 minutes total. After 2-3 minutes, flip the shrimp to cook the other side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. This means they're perfectly cooked and ready for tacos. While the shrimp cooks, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a skillet or directly over a gas flame. Heat each tortilla for a few seconds on each side until soft. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them nice and pliable for folding. To assemble, take a warm tortilla and fill it with 3-4 shrimp. Next, add slices of avocado, shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. If you like, drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Don't forget the hot sauce for extra heat! To make these tacos stand out, adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat level. If you like it spicy, add more! For a richer taste, marinate the shrimp for a longer time. Aim for at least 30 minutes. This lets the shrimp soak in all those tasty flavors. Using fresh corn tortillas is key for great texture. They should be soft and warm. To avoid soggy tortillas, heat them quickly in a skillet or over a flame. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean towel. This simple step keeps the tortillas from getting wet from the toppings. Make your tacos look great on a colorful platter. Arrange them neatly to catch the eye. For a fresh look, garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. This adds color and makes each bite even better. Plus, it gives your guests a fun way to dress their tacos! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp Matters: Always use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are completely thawed and drained before marinating. Adjusting Spice Levels: The cayenne pepper can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and you can always add hot sauce later for extra heat. Perfectly Warm Tortillas: To achieve soft and pliable tortillas, warm them for just a few seconds on a skillet or over a flame. Overheating can make them brittle. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro and lime wedges! They add brightness and flavor that perfectly complement the spicy shrimp. {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken or fish works well in this recipe. Just follow the same marinating steps. For a vegetarian option, try grilled veggies or tofu. They add great flavor and texture. To boost the taste, add diced tomatoes or jalapeños. These ingredients give a fresh kick. If you want a touch of sweetness, include mango or pineapple. These fruits contrast nicely with the spicy shrimp. Tortillas are key to great tacos. You can use flour tortillas for a softer bite or lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own tortillas. They taste amazing and will impress your friends. To keep your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos fresh, separate the shrimp and tortillas. Store the shrimp in an airtight container. This helps keep them juicy. Place the tortillas in a different container. You can wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. For toppings, like avocado and cabbage, use airtight containers too. This keeps them crisp and fresh. If you have leftover cilantro, store it in a small jar with water. Cover it with a plastic bag in the fridge. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet. Heat it on medium. Add a little olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warm. This method keeps the shrimp tender. For tortillas, warm them in a skillet or on a gas flame. Heat them for just a few seconds on each side. This makes them soft without drying out. Keep them wrapped in a kitchen towel to stay warm. You can freeze shrimp before cooking. Make sure they are clean and dry. Place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. If you have cooked shrimp left, you can freeze them too. Allow them to cool first. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare shrimp and toppings in advance. Marinate the shrimp and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This lets the flavors blend well. You can also chop the toppings ahead. Slice the avocado, shred the cabbage, and chop cilantro. Store them in separate containers. When it's time to eat, just cook the shrimp and warm the tortillas. This method saves time and keeps everything fresh! To change the heat in your tacos, you can play with the cayenne pepper. If you prefer less heat, cut the amount in half. You can also skip it altogether for mild tacos. For more heat, add extra cayenne or include sliced jalapeños. Hot sauce on the side lets everyone choose their spice level. Remember, you can always add spice, but it’s hard to take it away! These tacos pair well with many sides. Try a simple salad with lime dressing. Rice or quinoa make great additions too. For drinks, cold Mexican beer or a fruity margarita works well. You can also serve fresh salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. These sides make the meal fun and tasty! Yes, these tacos can be gluten-free! Use small corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Check the label to ensure they are 100% corn. If you want a lower-carb option, lettuce wraps work too. They are fresh and crunchy. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal, regardless of dietary needs! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. The flavor and texture will still be great. Just follow the same marinating and cooking steps as fresh shrimp. Enjoy your tasty tacos! We explored how to make spicy garlic shrimp tacos, from selecting fresh ingredients to cooking and assembling. This dish is simple, bursting with flavor, and customizable. Use shrimp, spices, and a vibrant array of toppings to make it your own. You can even adjust the heat to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With a bit of creativity, these tacos can become a household favorite. Enjoy preparing and sharing this delicious meal!

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with marinated shrimp, avocado, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for drizzling (optional)
  • Hot sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is well coated in the spices and garlic. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the taco toppings: slice the avocado into wedges, finely shred the red cabbage, and chop the fresh cilantro. Arrange these ingredients on a platter or separate bowls for easy assembly later.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until completely opaque and cooked through.
  • Meanwhile, to warm the corn tortillas, place them in a separate skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
  • To assemble the tacos, place 3-4 shrimp into each warm tortilla, then generously top with slices of avocado, shredded red cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  • Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, and drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Don't forget the hot sauce for those who crave extra heat!

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
Keyword avocado, garlic, shrimp, spicy, tacos