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spicy shrimp taco recipe

Spicy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Emma
These spicy tacos are weeknight dinner gold when you need something fast that delivers on flavor. The seasoned shrimp and the crunch of the slaw in each bite makes it unbelievable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Spicy Coleslaw:

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
  • Salt to taste

For Assembly:

  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion diced
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

Season the Shrimp:

  • Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and toss in spice mixture until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Spicy Coleslaw:

  • In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage and carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and chipotle powder. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste.

Cook the Shrimp:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Avoid overcooking.

Warm Tortillas:

  • Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave in 30-second increments until warm.

Assemble the Tacos:

  • Place 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla. Top with spicy coleslaw, avocado slices, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Double up corn tortillas to prevent breaking under toppings.
Spicy coleslaw tastes better after resting for 30 minutes.
Customize toppings with pickled onions, jalapeños, or cheese for variation.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Spicy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
320
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Cholesterol
 
220
mg
73
%
Sodium
 
480
mg
21
%
Potassium
 
450
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
25
g
8
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
 
2500
IU
50
%
Vitamin C
 
20
mg
24
%
Calcium
 
80
mg
8
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword quick dinner, seafood tacos, shrimp tacos, spicy shrimp, taco recipe, weeknight meal
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