Description
Mexican-inspired spicy shrimp tacos reveal complex layers of zesty flavor complemented by cool avocado crema. Crisp tortillas cradle succulent shrimp, while fresh herbs and tangy sauce create a perfect balance for hungry palates you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (453.6 g) shrimp (uncooked, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 8 to 10 small flour or corn tortillas (lightly toasted)
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 medium avocado (seed removed and flesh scooped out)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 jalapeño (seeds removed)
- 6 tbsps avocado oil
- 3 tbsps water
- 2 limes (juice)
- 1 tsp dark chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic (minced or garlic powder)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk avocado oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant, aromatic base.
- Shrimp Preparation: Immerse cleaned shrimp in the zesty marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 15-25 minutes to intensify flavor absorption.
- Avocado Crema Development: Blend ripe avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, and water in a food processor. Pulse until achieving a silky, smooth consistency, adjusting with water as needed and seasoning with kosher salt.
- Cooking Preparation: Preheat cast iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Spread marinated shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure optimal caramelization.
- Shrimp Cooking: Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, indicating perfect doneness. Meanwhile, incorporate avocado crema into finely sliced cabbage to create a creamy slaw.
- Assembly and Garnishing: Briefly warm corn tortillas, then layer with cabbage slaw and perfectly cooked shrimp. Drizzle additional avocado crema, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a vibrant, flavor-packed presentation.
Notes
- Marinate with Purpose: Let shrimp soak in zesty spices for 15-25 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during grilling, as shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long.
- Crema Consistency Tip: Blend avocado crema gradually, adding water to achieve desired smoothness without becoming too thin.
- Tortilla Temperature Matters: Briefly warm corn tortillas to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking when assembling tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg