Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos

Name: Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 limes, juiced; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco; Lime wedges for serving

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant, flavor-packed meal perfect for any day of the week. The combination of spicy shrimp, fresh toppings, and warm corn tortillas makes for a delightful and satisfying dish. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp are the star of the show, offering a sweet and tender base that soaks up the spices beautifully. The olive oil helps in cooking and adding a touch of richness. Garlic infuses the shrimp with a robust, aromatic flavor. Smoked paprika brings a mild smokiness that complements the cayenne’s heat. Cayenne pepper provides a fiery kick — adjust to your spice preference. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Lime juice adds a refreshing zing, cutting through the richness. Corn tortillas offer a warm, earthy base for the tacos. Shredded cabbage adds crunch and freshness. Cilantro provides a burst of herbal brightness. Avocado slices bring a creamy, buttery texture. Queso fresco adds a mild, salty finish.

Tips & Tricks

For maximum flavor, let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Use a cast-iron skillet for a nice char on the shrimp.
Double the recipe for a crowd — they’re always a hit at parties.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing corn salad. For a drink, consider a light, crisp beer or a margarita to complement the flavors. If you’re serving these at a gathering, offer a variety of hot sauces for guests to customize their heat level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?: Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
What if I don’t have queso fresco?: Feta cheese is a good substitute, offering a similar salty, crumbly texture.
Are there other topping options?: Absolutely! Try adding pickled onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sour cream for extra flavor.
How do I store leftovers?: Store shrimp separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your shrimp. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and fresh lime juice. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. This marinade is where the magic begins, infusing the shrimp with all those lively flavors.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's nice and hot, add the shrimp. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a charred exterior and a perfectly cooked interior — they should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

While the shrimp are cooking, warm your corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for a bit of char or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up. This step is crucial because warm tortillas make the tacos so much more enjoyable to eat.

Now, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Divide the cooked shrimp evenly among the tortillas. Top each one with a handful of shredded cabbage, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a couple of avocado slices, and a generous crumble of queso fresco. These toppings add layers of texture and flavor, making each bite interesting.

Serve the tacos immediately, with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfying combination of textures.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
A lively blend of spices and citrus makes every bite exciting.
Perfect for entertaining or a fun family dinner night.
Customizable toppings to suit all tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 limes, juiced

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until charred and cooked through.

3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

4. Assemble the tacos by dividing the shrimp among the tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, cilantro, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco.

5. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

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