These quick shrimp tacos are a blast! In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy tasty shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas with fresh toppings, perfect for busy nights.
I love how simple they are! Just sauté the shrimp, pile them into tortillas, and add my favorite toppings like avocado and salsa. It’s a fiesta on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If using frozen, make sure to completely thaw them before cooking. For a change, you can substitute shrimp with chicken or fish like tilapia. Both will pick up flavors nicely!
Tortillas: I recommend using corn tortillas for a classic look and flavor, but flour tortillas are great too if you prefer them. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder bring the flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Try smoked paprika or even taco seasoning for an easy alternative. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch, but if you’re not a fan, consider using parsley or simply omit it. Some people prefer green onions for a milder flavor.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Traditional sour cream gives a creamy texture while Greek yogurt provides extra protein. You can use plain yogurt as a healthier alternative or even avocado for a creamy twist!
How Can I Ensure My Shrimp Cook Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp might seem tricky, but it’s simple! The key is to not overcook them. Here’s how to achieve perfect shrimp every time:
- Make sure your shrimp are thawed and dry before seasoning; this helps them cook evenly.
- Cook at medium-high heat to get a nice sear without steaming them.
- Watch for the color change – they should turn pink and opaque! Aim for 2-3 minutes on one side, then 1-2 minutes on the other.
- If unsure, cut one to check; it should be white and opaque inside.
15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salsa for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend a few minutes gathering your ingredients, preparing the shrimp, and warming the tortillas. In no time, you’ll have these delicious shrimp tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning. This adds lots of flavor to your tacos!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
3. Warming the Tortillas:
While the shrimp are cooking, take another skillet and warm the tortillas. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they’re soft and pliable. This step helps to make them tasty and easy to fold!
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! On each warm tortilla, place a handful of shredded lettuce followed by a portion of the cooked shrimp. The colors and flavors will start coming together beautifully!
5. Adding Toppings:
Top the shrimp with diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to add as much or as little as you like—toppings make every bite delightful!
6. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle some sour cream or Greek yogurt over the toppings, and if you’d like, add salsa for an extra kick! These little additions are what make the tacos special.
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious shrimp tacos immediately while they are warm. Don’t forget to add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. The zesty lime juice adds a refreshing touch!
Enjoy your quick and tasty shrimp tacos! They’re perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
Can I Substitute the Shrimp with Another Protein?
Absolutely! If you don’t have shrimp or want to try something different, chicken or fish like tilapia or cod work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly: chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and fish should be opaque and flake easily.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture before cooking. You can also use spicy salsa or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the finished tacos for an extra kick!
What Should I Do with Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until heated through, and refresh the tortillas by giving them a quick warm-up in the pan. Assemble fresh toppings before serving to keep it all crispy!
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour?
Definitely! Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option and add a nice flavor to the tacos. Just make sure to warm them properly as they can be a bit more brittle than flour tortillas. Heat them in a skillet for 30 seconds on each side to make them soft and pliable!
