Description
These mouthwatering shrimp tacos are a quick and flavorful meal that combines seasoned, seared shrimp with a tangy lime cabbage slaw, creamy garlic-lime crema, and fresh avocado slices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, they deliver a delightful balance of textures and vibrant flavors in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound raw peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of ½ lime (from the whole lime)
Toppings and Slaw
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1½ cups shredded cabbage
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of remaining ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup pickled red onions (optional)
Crema
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Toss the raw peeled and deveined shrimp with the taco seasoning, olive oil, and juice from half a lime. Ensure they are evenly coated to maximize flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Cook until they become opaque and slightly charred to develop a smoky, savory crust.
- Make the crema: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, remaining lime juice, and garlic powder. Mix well to create a smooth, tangy garlic-lime crema that complements the shrimp and slaw.
- Prepare the slaw: In a separate bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for a few minutes to slightly soften and absorb the citrus flavor.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they are warm and pliable, ready for assembling the tacos.
- Assemble the tacos: Layer the lime cabbage slaw onto each tortilla, add the cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and drizzle with the garlic-lime crema. Finish by topping with fresh cilantro and pickled red onions if using. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spice by changing the amount of taco seasoning or adding some chili powder.
- Pickled red onions are optional but add a tart contrast to the creamy avocado and shrimp.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the taco seasoning and tortillas are certified gluten-free.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra citrus brightness.
