Experience a burst of fresh flavors with these incredible Shrimp Tacos, featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, a luscious creamy sauce, and a vibrant homemade coleslaw that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of authentic, satisfying taco perfection!
THE ULTIMATE SHRIMP TACO RECIPE: A CULINARY DELIGHT MADE EASY
There’s a common misconception that restaurant-quality shrimp tacos are simply too complex to recreate at home. Many home cooks, much like a friend of mine, often shy away from attempting them, believing they can never quite achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture with a truly delicious sauce. This recipe is designed to shatter that myth and empower you to create shrimp tacos that are not only as good as, but quite possibly even better than, those you’d order at your favorite restaurant.
Our journey begins with succulent shrimp, expertly coated in a savory taco seasoning blend that promises a delightful punch of flavor in every bite. This seasoned shrimp is then nestled into soft tortillas and elevated by two incredible homemade components: a rich, creamy sauce that ties all the elements together, and a crisp, zesty coleslaw that adds a refreshing crunch. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its blend of robust flavors with an undeniable ease of preparation, making it a perfect dinnertime solution for any day of the week. Prepare yourself for rave reviews and requests for seconds; this shrimp taco recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
WHY HOMEMADE SHRIMP TACOS ARE A GAME-CHANGER
Diving into the world of homemade shrimp tacos offers a multitude of advantages beyond just the sheer deliciousness. When you prepare them yourself, you gain complete control over the freshness and quality of your ingredients. You can choose the freshest shrimp, opt for organic vegetables, and select spices that truly resonate with your palate. This level of customization is rarely found in restaurant offerings, allowing you to tailor the flavors, spice levels, and textures to your exact preferences. Want more heat? Add an extra pinch of chili. Prefer a milder sauce? Adjust the jalapeño. The power is yours!
Furthermore, cooking at home is often significantly more cost-effective. Shrimp tacos at a restaurant can be pricey, especially when feeding a family. By making them in your own kitchen, you save money without sacrificing flavor or quality. It’s also an incredibly rewarding experience, knowing you’ve crafted a meal from scratch that brings joy to your table. The aroma of sizzling seasoned shrimp and the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients coming together create a sensory experience that enhances the entire meal. This recipe ensures that “easy” doesn’t mean compromising on taste or the overall dining experience, making gourmet-level seafood tacos accessible to everyone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SHRIMP TACOS:
The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility, and shrimp tacos are no exception! While this recipe includes a luscious creamy sauce and a refreshing homemade coleslaw, which are fantastic on their own, feel free to customize with your favorite additions. Common restaurant-style toppings often include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and creamy guacamole or sliced avocado. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding pickled red onions, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your signature shrimp taco experience!
Shallots are often described as having a milder, more delicate flavor profile compared to their larger onion cousins, with a hint of garlic. This makes them an excellent choice for recipes where you want a subtle oniony depth without overpowering the other ingredients, especially the delicate flavor of shrimp. Their nuanced taste truly enhances the creamy sauce in these tacos, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor. If shallots are unavailable or not to your liking, a sweet yellow onion can be used as a substitute, though you might want to use slightly less to ensure it doesn’t dominate the sauce’s flavor.
Shrimp tacos are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. For a classic Mexican-inspired spread, consider serving them alongside a vibrant Mexican rice or a bright cilantro-lime rice. Creamy refried beans or black beans are always a popular choice. For something lighter and fresher, a zesty corn salad, a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette, or even grilled corn on the cob would be delicious. Don’t forget a bowl of homemade salsa and tortilla chips for an extra crunch!
While a pre-packaged taco seasoning packet offers convenience and consistent flavor, you absolutely do not have to limit yourself to it. Many home cooks prefer to use their own custom blend of spices, which allows for greater control over ingredients and sodium levels. A homemade taco seasoning often includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fajita seasoning can also work wonderfully, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile for your shrimp. Feel free to use your favorite blend, or explore creating your own for a truly unique taste!
The choice between corn and flour tortillas for your shrimp tacos is largely a matter of personal preference, as both offer distinct characteristics. Flour tortillas tend to be softer, more pliable, and less prone to tearing, making them a popular choice for many. They also have a neutral flavor that allows the shrimp and toppings to shine. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, offer a more authentic, earthy flavor and a slightly chewier texture. If you opt for corn tortillas, it’s highly recommended to warm them up first – either in a dry skillet, microwave, or wrapped in foil in the oven – to make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing when folded. Both options create a delicious taco experience, so choose whichever you enjoy most!
Whether or not to de-seed your jalapeños depends entirely on your personal tolerance for heat. The majority of a jalapeño’s spiciness comes from the seeds and the white membrane (pith) inside. If you prefer a milder flavor with just a hint of warmth, it’s best to carefully remove the seeds and pith before adding the jalapeño to your food processor. If you enjoy a more pronounced kick and want to amp up the spice level, feel free to leave some or all of the seeds intact. Always handle jalapeños with care, and wash your hands thoroughly after preparation to avoid irritation.
To ensure the best quality and flavor, shrimp tacos are truly at their peak when assembled and enjoyed fresh. If you anticipate having leftovers or are preparing for a smaller group, it’s highly recommended not to assemble all the tacos at once. Instead, store the individual components separately. Keep the seasoned shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the creamy dressing in a separate container, and the coleslaw mix (undressed, if possible, or dressed but kept separate from other components) also in an airtight container. When stored this way, these ingredients can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the shrimp gently (if desired, though some prefer it cold), toss the coleslaw with the dressing if it was undressed, and then assemble your fresh, delicious tacos. This method prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy and ensures each component retains its optimal texture and taste.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR SHRIMP TACOS:
Crafting these delectable shrimp tacos requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this recipe to life:
- Fresh Large Shrimp: The star of our show! Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and tails removed for ease of eating.
- Salted Butter: Used to create a rich, flavorful coating for the shrimp and to cook them to perfection.
- Taco Seasoning: A pre-made packet offers convenience, or you can opt for your favorite homemade blend for custom flavor.
- Flour Tortillas: The perfect soft canvas for holding all the delicious fillings.
- Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): Forms the creamy base of our tangy, irresistible sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a smooth richness to the sauce and helps with blending.
- Garlic: Provides an aromatic foundation for the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Shallot: Offers a milder, sweeter onion flavor with a hint of garlic, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- Jalapeño: Delivers a customizable kick of heat; remove seeds for a milder sauce, or leave them for more spice.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings a vibrant, herbaceous freshness to both the sauce and the coleslaw.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Lime Zest and Lime Juice: Crucial for adding bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness and elevate the entire dish.
- Tri-Color Coleslaw Mix: Provides a fantastic crunch and a medley of colors, making the tacos visually appealing and texturally satisfying.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO MAKE SHRIMP TACOS WITH A HOMEMADE CREAMY SAUCE
Creating these sensational shrimp tacos is a straightforward process, broken down into simple steps to ensure a flawless and flavorful outcome every time. Follow along to bring these incredible flavors to your dinner table.
First, prepare your shrimp by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water and then patting them completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a better sear. In a medium-sized bowl, melt two tablespoons of the salted butter in the microwave until just liquid. Add your preferred taco seasoning to the melted butter and stir well to combine, creating a savory paste.
Add the rinsed and dried shrimp to the bowl with the seasoned butter mixture. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning. Set the shrimp aside to marinate slightly while you prepare the creamy sauce and coleslaw, allowing the flavors to meld.
Now, let’s craft that irresistible creamy dressing. In a food processor, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option), minced garlic, diced shallot, prepared jalapeño (seeded or unseeded based on your spice preference), fresh cilantro, salt, and both the zest and juice from your limes.
Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients in the food processor. Process the mixture for approximately 30 seconds, or until it transforms into a smooth, creamy, and beautifully blended dressing. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is incorporated.
Divide the creamy dressing in half. Take one half of the dressing and gently mix it with your tri-color coleslaw mix in a separate bowl. This will create a vibrant, zesty coleslaw that perfectly complements the shrimp. Reserve the remaining half of the dressing for drizzling over the assembled tacos. Don’t worry if the coleslaw mix seems a little liquidy at first; it will thicken as it sits and the cabbage begins to absorb the dressing.
Now it’s time to cook the shrimp! Heat a large, 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining salted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt and shimmer. Once the butter is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
Cook the shrimp for approximately 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque throughout, no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them tough. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Finally, it’s time to assemble your mouth-watering shrimp tacos! Take a warm flour tortilla and scoop a generous portion of the creamy coleslaw onto it. Arrange about three perfectly cooked shrimp over the coleslaw. Drizzle a spoonful of the reserved creamy dressing over the shrimp and coleslaw. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of your homemade shrimp tacos!
DISCOVER MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES:
If you’ve enjoyed these incredible shrimp tacos, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other fantastic recipes that celebrate fresh flavors and easy cooking. Whether you’re craving more seafood delights or looking for hearty taco variations, explore these delicious options:
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Shrimp Étouffée
- Shrimp Po Boys
- Southern Fried Shrimp
- Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- The Best Shrimp Dip
- Baked Tacos
- Buttery Creole Shrimp
- Fried Panko Shrimp
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- One Pan Shrimp and Broccoli
- Hillbilly Tacos
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Shrimp Tacos
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Rate
15 minutes
5 minutes
20 minutes
8
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined, shelled, tails removed
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, divided use
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 6-8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 small shallot
- ½ small jalapeno seeded (optional)
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups tri-color coleslaw mix
- Optional Extras: Avocado, sour cream, chopped tomatoes (typical taco toppings)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels and set aside.
- In a larger bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the microwave. Mix the taco seasoning with the butter.
- Toss in the shrimp and evenly coat them with the seasoned butter. Set aside.
- Add the sour cream, garlic, shallot, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and lime zest and juice to a food processor. Pour the olive oil over and process for about 30 seconds to make a nice dressing.
- Take half of this dressing and mix with the coleslaw. Reserve the other half for later. It will seem a little liquidy but it will thicken after a while.
- In a large 12-inch skillet, melt the remaining butter over a medium high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until no longer translucent. Move the shrimp around and turn etc.
- Remove from the heat. Scoop a small serving of coleslaw in a tortilla, add about 3 shrimp then drizzle the dressing on top. Continue with the rest and serve!
Notes
- You can use homemade taco seasoning for the seasoning on these.
- If you like more heat do not de-seed the jalapeño since that is where the heat comes from.
- If you can’t find the tri-color coleslaw mix, you can use the regular kind that just uses green cabbage.
- We like to use large shrimp but you can use whatever size you like as long as it is the same weight.
Main Course
American, Mexican
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.