Not giving in to the urge for tacos is challenging when you want something bold, spicy, and filling. It’s been a while since I had hot shrimp tacos at a food truck. When you put the spicy shrimp with the cool, creamy avocado-lime slaw, you get the perfect mix of tastes. I was so moved by the experience that I quickly made my own version of hot shrimp tacos with avocado-lime slaw, and I can say without a doubt that it changed the game!
When you want to make a dish that will stand out for taco night or a dinner party, these tacos are always a tasty choice. With its juicy shrimp and tangy slaw, this recipe is ideal for any time of year because it is both cool and tasty.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw
Course: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Intermediate4
servings20
minutes10
minutes370
kcalIndulge in these vibrant and delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos paired with a fresh Avocado-Lime Slaw. This recipe combines succulent marinated shrimp with a zesty and creamy slaw, tucked into warm corn tortillas, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Ideal for those who love a kick of spice balanced with the cooling flavors of avocado and lime.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Avocado-Lime Slaw
2 ripe avocados
Juice of 2 limes
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
- Tacos and Toppings
8 corn tortillas
Optional: salsa, jalapeños, sour cream, hot sauce
Directions
- Marinating the Shrimp
- Start by preparing your shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the spices to seep into the shrimp for maximum flavor.
- Preparing the Avocado-Lime Slaw
- While the shrimp is marinating, you can start making the slaw. In a large bowl, mash the avocados until smooth, then mix in lime juice, cilantro, and shredded cabbage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The lime juice will give the slaw a refreshing tang, while the creamy avocado balances the spiciness of the shrimp.
- Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and slightly crispy on the edges. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Notes
- Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can also prepare the shrimp marinade the night before to save time. This also helps deepen the flavor as the shrimp soaks up all the spices.
- For a crunchier texture, try adding sliced radishes or shredded carrots to the slaw. If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap out the avocado for Greek yogurt or light sour cream.
- You can also grill the shrimp if you prefer a charred, smoky flavor. Just thread them onto skewers and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Nutrition Facts
370
Calories
22g
Fat
17g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving of Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Lime Slaw
| Calories | 370 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol 190mg | 63% |
| Sodium 760mg | 32% |
| Total Carbohydrate 17g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 18% |
| Total Sugars 3g | |
| Protein 26g | |
| Calcium 90mg | 7% |
| Iron 2mg | 11% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Assembling Your Tacos
Heating the Tortillas
A warm, stretchy tortilla is key to making a delicious taco. Put the corn tortillas in a dry pan and cook them for 30 seconds on each side. Wrapped in a damp paper towel, you can also microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds.
To make the tortillas taste even better, lightly char them over an open flame on the stove for a few seconds. The result is a slightly crispy, smokey tortilla that goes perfectly with the shrimp.
Building the Tacos
It’s time to put together your tacos. First, put the avocado-lime sauce on the bottom of the tortilla. Next, place the shrimp on top. You can add jalapeños, salsa, or hot sauce as extra toppings to make it taste even better.
Serve these tacos with grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a refreshing change. Because the fruit is sweet, it tastes great with the spicy shrimp.
Why This Recipe Works
Spicy shrimp tacos and creamy avocado-lime sauce go well together because they have different tastes and textures. The smooth avocado cools down the heat from the shrimp spices, and the lime juice gives it a tangy, fresh taste. Plus, shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, so this food is both tasty and beneficial for you.
There are numerous ways to customize this recipe. You can easily adjust the amount of spice to your liking, whether you prefer things hot or not so hot.
Tips for Customizing Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Adjusting the Heat Level
If you don’t like too much heat, cut back on or leave out the cayenne pepper in the shrimp marinade. If you like your food really hot, you can add more pepper or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce. For an extra kick of heat, you can add some sliced jalapeno or jalapeño peppers. This is a useful guide to learning about the different types of peppers and how hot they are.
Making It Vegetarian
You can make this dish without shrimp by substituting tofu or grilled veggies. Instead of chicken, you can use portobello mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use the same mix of spices to marinate the vegetables, then grill or pan-fry them until they are soft. For more veggie taco ideas, check out this vegetarian taco recipe.
Gluten-Free Option
For this recipe to be gluten-free, make sure you use approved gluten-free corn tortillas. Always make sure that any extras, like salsa or store-bought toppings, are also gluten-free. Learn more about gluten-free alternatives here.
Pairing Suggestions for Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Side Dishes
Add some traditional Mexican sides to your hot shrimp tacos to make a full meal. You could have rice, black beans, or chips with guacamole. For a change of pace, try elote, which is Mexican street corn. It will make your taco night taste even better. You can find a great elote recipe here.
Drinks
There’s no such thing as a taco night without a cool drink. A classic margarita or a cold, light beer would go well with these tacos. If you want to eat these spicy tacos without drinking booze, agua fresca, which is sparkling water with lime, will do.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have extras, keep the shrimp and slaw separate so the tacos don’t get wet. Store the shrimp in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. If necessary, refrigerate the avocado-lime slaw for a day. It tastes best when it’s fresh.
Put the shrimp back in the pan and heat it on medium-low for two to three minutes, or until it’s warm all the way through. If you microwave the shrimp, they might get tough.
Conclusion
The avocado-lime slaw that goes with these spicy shrimp tacos is the perfect mix of cool, creamy, and hot. They’re quick and easy to make, and everyone will love them at any event. This taco recipe is sure to please, whether you’re looking for a new one for your family or a dish to wow your guests.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Feel free to experiment with the toppings and spice levels to make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
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What can I use if I don’t have fresh avocados?
If fresh avocados aren’t available, you can use store-bought guacamole as a substitute. For an even lighter alternative, Greek yogurt mixed with lime and cilantro works well, too.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp marinade and the avocado-lime slaw in advance. Just cook the shrimp right before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.