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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to spice preference) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Juice of 1 fresh lime - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges - 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving For these spicy garlic shrimp tacos, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease. You will also need four cloves of garlic. Mince them finely to release their flavor. Use two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for cooking. This oil adds richness to the shrimp. Then, grab some spices. You will need one teaspoon of smoked paprika and one teaspoon of ground cumin. These spices bring warmth and depth. If you love spice, add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can adjust this based on your taste. Next, squeeze the juice from one fresh lime. This adds a zesty kick. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. For the tacos, use eight small corn tortillas. They hold everything together perfectly. Add one ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges. This will provide creaminess to your tacos. You also need one cup of finely shredded green cabbage. It adds crunch and freshness. Finally, garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve lime wedges on the side for that extra burst of flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making your spicy garlic shrimp tacos both vibrant and delicious. - In a medium bowl, add 1 pound of shrimp. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. - Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for spice. - Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. - Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the shrimp. - Season with salt and black pepper. - Stir well to coat the shrimp. - Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes. Marinating allows the shrimp to soak up all the great flavors. The longer you let it sit, the more taste it gets. - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Carefully add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. - Once cooked, take them off the heat. Cooking shrimp is quick. You want them to be just right, so keep an eye on them. - Take another skillet or grill. - Warm 8 small corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. - Make sure they are soft and pliable. Warming the tortillas helps bring out their flavor. Soft tortillas make the tacos so much better. - Place a few shrimp in each tortilla. - Add several slices of ripe avocado. - Top with a generous amount of shredded cabbage. - Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. - Serve with lime wedges on the side. Layering the shrimp, avocado, and cabbage makes the tacos fun and tasty. The lime adds a zesty kick that everyone loves. To make your spicy garlic shrimp tacos even better, try these ideas: - Add a pinch of chili powder for more heat. - Mix in some fresh lime zest for a bright flavor. - Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a twist. - Try different tortillas like flour or spinach for variety. Cooking shrimp can be tricky. Here are my best tips: - Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. - Don’t crowd the shrimp in the pan. Cook them in batches if needed. - Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough. - For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the shrimp. Make your tacos stand out with these fun tips: - Use a colorful platter to display your tacos. - Stack tacos in a taco holder for a nice touch. - Add extra lime wedges around the platter for color. - Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top to make it pop. These ideas will help you create a meal that looks as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Fish like tilapia or cod works well. Chicken is another great choice. Simply grill or sauté it with the same spices. If you want a plant-based option, use tofu. Just press it well, then marinate and cook like shrimp. Each protein adds its own twist to the flavor. Want to change the heat? You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper. Use less for a milder flavor. If you love spice, add more. You can also use fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick. Experiment with different spices like chipotle to find your perfect balance. Toppings can make your tacos special. Try adding fresh salsa for a zesty kick. Cheese lovers can sprinkle on some crumbled feta or cotija. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and cools the spice. You can also add pickled onions for a tangy crunch. Get creative with your toppings to match your taste! To keep your spicy garlic shrimp tacos fresh, store leftovers properly. First, separate the shrimp from the tortillas and toppings. Use airtight containers for best results. Place the shrimp in one container. Store the tortillas in another. You can keep these in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the shrimp cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent any moisture buildup. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. For the shrimp, heat a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. Cook for about two minutes until warmed through. Avoid cooking too long, or the shrimp can become tough. For the tortillas, warm them on a dry skillet for about 15 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and tasty. If you want to save your shrimp tacos for later, freezing is a great option. Cooked shrimp can freeze well for up to three months. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The tortillas can also be frozen. Just stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps everything fresh and flavorful. To tell if shrimp are done, look for a few key signs. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They curl into a C shape, which means they are ready. If they stay straight or look gray, they need more time. Also, check the internal temperature. It should reach 120°F. For perfect tacos, don't overcook the shrimp. They should be tender and juicy, not rubbery. Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance. Marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking. This way, the flavors soak in deeply. You can also shred the cabbage and slice the avocado ahead of time. Just keep the avocado in lemon juice to prevent browning. Warm the tortillas right before serving for the best taste. This makes for quick assembly when it's time to eat. Several sides complement spicy garlic shrimp tacos well. Consider serving black beans for protein and fiber. A fresh corn salad adds sweetness and crunch. You might also enjoy a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette. For a zesty touch, serve pickled red onions on the side. These sides enhance the meal and provide a variety of flavors. You now have a great recipe for spicy garlic shrimp tacos. We covered each step, from marinating the shrimp to assembling the tacos. You learned tips for flavor, cooking shrimp, and creative presentations. Variations allow you to experiment with different proteins and toppings. Feel free to store and reheat leftovers safely, or freeze them for another time. Enjoy crafting these delicious tacos and impress your friends and family with your new skills!

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Zesty Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos! Perfectly marinated shrimp sautéed to perfection, nestled in warm corn tortillas, topped with creamy avocado and crunchy cabbage make for a delightful meal everyone will love. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are a must-try. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Juice of 1 fresh lime

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges

1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are thoroughly coated in the flavorful marinade. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely pink color and are fully cooked. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

      While the shrimp are cooking, take another skillet or a grill and warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, or just until they become soft and pliable. This step enhances their flavor and texture.

        To assemble your scrumptious tacos, lay a few shrimp pieces in the center of each warmed tortilla. Top them off with several slices of creamy avocado and a generous helping of shredded cabbage to add crunch and freshness.

          Finish by garnishing each taco with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Serve alongside lime wedges for an extra hit of zesty goodness that guests can squeeze over their tacos.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Arrange the tacos on a vibrant platter, with lime wedges strategically placed around for color. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra cilantro over the top for an enticing visual appeal!