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Savor the Flavor with these Easy-to-Make Shrimp Tacos!
Are you looking for a tasty dish that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than these delicious shrimp tacos! Loaded with flavor, they’re the perfect meal for those long, lazy days when you want to unwind with a refreshing drink and a mouth-watering taco.

The Origin and Ingredients of Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp Tacos, also known as Tacos de Camarones, are believed to have originated in Baja California, Mexico. They are prepared by grilling, sauteing, or frying shrimp, and are typically served with cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, avocado, and crumbled cotija, all wrapped in a flour or corn tortilla – similar to the ingredients used in fish tacos.
The recipe for Shrimp Tacos has evolved over the years, with many variations now available. Some recipes call for marinating the shrimp in a variety of spices and lime juice before cooking, while others use a batter to coat the shrimp before frying. Unleash your culinary creativity with various cabbage types, from red to Napa, and elevate your slaw game by adding exciting toppings like jalapeño peppers or cilantro.
Regardless of the recipe, Shrimp Tacos are a popular and delicious option for seafood lovers. They are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether enjoyed at a restaurant or made at home, Shrimp Tacos are a tasty and satisfying meal that is sure to please.
For This Recipe You Will Need the following:
Shrimp Ingredients:
- Shrimp – Large peeled and deveined
- Brown sugar
- Spices – Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper
- Lime juice
- Optional: Cilantro, finely chopped
- Vegetable oil
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas or flour tortillas
Filling:
Shredded red or green cabbage or Taco slaw
Iceberg lettuce can be used instead of cabbage
How To Make Shrimp Tacos
Prep the shrimp: Peel, devein, and wash each shrimp and set them aside in a bowl

Whisk 1/4 cup oil & lime juice, and cilantro (optional), with the brown sugar and seasonings in a bowl.
Pat dry shrimp and add to bowl with brown sugar marinade. Cover and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Add oil to a skillet on medium-high heat. (*I use a cast iron pan). Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the pan, cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes on each side, and add cilantro.
* Shrimp can also be prepared by threading them onto skewers and grilling them, or they can be cooked on your Blackstone flat grill for a delicious and flavorful outcome.

Warm up corn or flour tortillas on a comal or cast iron skillet.

Place taco slaw on the tortilla, add shrimp, and top with your favorite topping or salsa. Enjoy!

Toppings and Fillings for Shrimp Tacos
- Mexican Taco Slaw
- Cilantro-Lime Crema
- Avocado Pico de Gallo
- Chipotle Lime Crema
- Habanero Hot Sauce
- Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Storing Leftover Shrimp
- Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Leftover shrimp can be a great addition to rice bowls.

Shrimp Tacos
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chile powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne powder
- ¼ tsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped
- ¼ cup canola oil, + 1 tbsp for cooking
- 12 corn tortillas
- Toppings (see Note)
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Peel, devein, and wash each shrimp and set them aside in a bowl
- In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup oil & lime juice, with the brown sugar and seasonings.
- Pat dry shrimp and add to bowl with brown sugar marinade. Cover and let marinate 15 minutes.
- Add oil to a skillet on medium-high heat.(I use a cast iron pan). Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the pan, and cook the shrimp about 3 minutes on each side.
- Warm up tortillas on a comal. Place taco slaw on the tortilla, add shrimp, and top with your favorite topping or salsa. Enjoy!
Notes
- Mexican Taco Slaw or finely shredded cabbage
- Optional Toppings: Avocado slices, cotija cheese
- Pico de Gallo, diced red onions, Chipotle-Lime Crema
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