Description
Zesty Mexican-inspired Shrimp Tacos deliver explosive flavor in minutes, blending succulent seafood with crisp vegetables and tangy sauce. Spicy, fresh ingredients promise a quick, delicious meal that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill grates
- 4 cups coleslaw mix
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Finely grated zest from 2 limes
- Whole cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Create a zesty spice blend by mixing brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime zest in a mixing bowl.
- Infuse sour cream with two teaspoons of the prepared spice mixture, then set aside for later use.
- Coat shrimp thoroughly with the remaining spice blend and olive oil, allowing the flavors to meld for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare the coleslaw by combining it with the spiced sour cream, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to high temperature, ensuring it’s well-preheated before cooking.
- Quickly toast tortillas on the hot grill for approximately 1 minute per side, then wrap in foil to maintain warmth and softness.
- Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, cooking until they turn opaque and develop a slight char.
- Construct the tacos by layering grilled shrimp, creamy spiced coleslaw, and fresh cilantro on the warm tortillas.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve immediately while still warm.
Notes
- Spice Blend Prep: Create the spice mixture ahead of time and store in an airtight container for quick weeknight meals.
- Marinating Magic: Let shrimp marinate exactly 15 minutes to prevent texture breakdown from acidic ingredients.
- Dietary Swap: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or vegan versions.
- Grill Mastery: Ensure grill or pan is blazing hot to get perfect caramelization on shrimp without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg