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To make tasty spicy shrimp tacos, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas These ingredients provide a bold flavor to the shrimp. The chili powder and cayenne pepper bring the heat. The spices work well together to make a delicious taco filling. For the slaw, you need: - 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - ½ cup carrots, grated - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice This slaw adds crunch and freshness. The lime juice brightens the flavors. The combination of green and red cabbage gives the slaw a colorful look. You can enhance your tacos with these extras: - ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for the sauce) - Extra lime wedges for serving The sour cream or yogurt makes a creamy sauce. A squeeze of lime adds more zing. These toppings complete the dish and make it even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. First, gather your shrimp and marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients until smooth. Then, toss 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all the flavors. While the shrimp marinates, let's make the slaw. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of finely shredded green cabbage, 1 cup of finely shredded red cabbage, and ½ cup of grated carrots. Add ½ cup of chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Toss everything together well. The lime juice brightens the flavors and keeps the veggies fresh. Now it’s time to cook the shrimp. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn bright pink and opaque when done. Remove them from the heat. Next, warm the corn tortillas in another dry skillet. Place them in for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and slightly toasted. Now we can put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a few shrimp on it. Add a generous scoop of the slaw on top. Finish with a drizzle of the lime-infused sauce made from sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve the tacos on a platter with extra lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious creation! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. Cooking shrimp is quick and easy. I love using a hot skillet to get that perfect sear. Here’s how you can do it: - Use medium-high heat: This helps cook the shrimp fast and keeps them juicy. - Cook in batches: If you add too many shrimp at once, they will steam instead of sear. Cook them in two or three batches. - Look for color change: Shrimp turn bright pink and opaque when done. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side. The slaw adds crunch and freshness to your tacos. Here’s how to make it burst with flavor: - Use fresh veggies: Fresh green and red cabbage give the slaw a nice crunch. - Add lime juice: Lime juice brightens the flavors. Toss the veggies with lime juice right before serving. - Mix it well: Make sure all veggies are coated. This evenly spreads the flavor. Tortillas are key to great tacos. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing them: - Choose corn tortillas: They have a nice flavor that pairs well with shrimp. - Warm them up: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and pliable. - Try different sizes: Small tortillas are great for tacos, but larger ones work if you want burritos. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. {{image_4}} If you want to change up your tacos, try different proteins. Chicken works great with the same marinade. Just cut it into small pieces. Fish like tilapia or cod is also tasty. Use firm fish and cook it for a shorter time. For a plant-based option, try marinated tofu or tempeh. These options give you the same flavor with a different twist. Slaw can vary based on your taste. You can mix different veggies to make it fun. Try adding radishes or bell peppers for crunch. If you want a sweeter slaw, add some diced mango or apple. For a spicy kick, toss in jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Each combination brings a new flavor to your tacos. When serving your spicy shrimp tacos, add sides that complement them. Try serving with fresh guacamole or salsa for dipping. A simple rice dish or black beans works well too. For a refreshing touch, serve with a mixed green salad. These sides enhance the meal and keep it light and bright. For more details on making these tacos, check the full recipe. To keep your spicy shrimp tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer the shrimp and slaw separately to avoid soggy tortillas. Place the tacos in the fridge. They stay good for about two days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet. Heat them over medium-low heat for about three to four minutes. This keeps them juicy. Warm the tortillas quickly in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. If you want to freeze the shrimp, cook them first. Let them cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. For the slaw, it's best to prepare it fresh. Freezing may change the texture of the veggies. For the best taste, make the slaw when you're ready to serve. You can find the full recipe for these delicious tacos above. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water. It should take about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick better. No worries! You can use flour tortillas instead. They will work just as well. You can also try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just make sure to choose sturdy leaves to hold the filling. To adjust the spice, change the amount of cayenne pepper. Add less for milder tacos. If you love heat, add more cayenne or use spicy salsa. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra kick. I suggest pairing these tacos with a refreshing drink. Try a cold beer or a zesty margarita. A limeade or sparkling water with lime also works well. It helps balance the spice and enhances the flavors. Spicy shrimp tacos blend bold flavors and fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. We covered the main ingredients, slaw options, and various toppings. I shared simple steps for preparing the shrimp, making slaw, and most importantly, assembling your tacos. Don’t forget the tips and tricks, along with fun variations, to keep things exciting. With these insights, you can make delicious tacos that impress every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find your favorite version!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Spicy Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate flavor-packed meal that you won't want to miss! With a zesty marinade and a crunchy slaw, these tacos are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Learn how to cook shrimp perfectly and assemble these delicious tacos in no time. Ready to add a kick to your dinner? Click through for the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

½ cup carrots, grated

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for the sauce)

Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth marinade.

    Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature for maximum flavor absorption.

      While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Toss all the ingredients together until evenly mixed, ensuring that the veggies are well-coated in lime juice.

        In a separate small bowl, mix together the sour cream or Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice to create a zesty taco sauce. Stir until smooth and set aside.

          Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn bright pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the heat.

            In another dry skillet, warm the corn tortillas by placing them in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable and slightly toasted.

              To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each warm tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the slaw mixture and finish with a drizzle of the lime-infused sauce.

                Serve the tacos on a platter with extra lime wedges on the side for that additional burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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