Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 lb large shrimp, cleaned and deveined - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 corn tortillas - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade) - Lime wedges for serving Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are a joy to make. You need fresh shrimp, lime, and cilantro for bright flavors. Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are cleaned and deveined. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and taste great. Next, chop a quarter cup of fresh cilantro. This adds a nice, herbal note. You will also need two tablespoons of lime juice. Fresh lime juice gives a zesty kick. Add two minced garlic cloves for depth. For spices, use one teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin. They bring warmth and earthiness to the dish. Add salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors of your shrimp. Finally, gather your toppings. You will want eight corn tortillas. They are soft and perfect for wrapping. Slice one avocado for creaminess. Shred one cup of red cabbage for crunch. You can use store-bought or homemade pico de gallo, about one cup. This adds fresh tomatoes and onions. Don’t forget lime wedges to serve. They provide extra zest when squeezed on top. These ingredients come together to make a tasty meal. You can mix and match toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy the fresh flavors in every bite! - Combine shrimp, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. - Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes for optimal flavor absorption. Marinating is key. This step helps the shrimp soak up all those bright flavors. The lime juice gives it a fresh zing that balances well with the spice from chili powder. I always mix well so each shrimp gets a good coat. - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. - Cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Cooking shrimp is quick and easy. Make sure your skillet is hot first. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps them tender. You want to see that beautiful pink color. If they crowd the pan, they won’t cook right, so do it in batches if needed. - Warm corn tortillas in a separate skillet for about 30 seconds per side. - Assemble the tacos by adding shrimp, avocado, red cabbage, and pico de gallo to each tortilla. Warming tortillas is simple. Just a quick heat in a skillet makes them soft and pliable. When it’s time to assemble, layer the shrimp first. Then add creamy avocado, crunchy red cabbage, and fresh pico de gallo. Each bite should be a mix of flavors and textures. To make great tacos, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell clean and ocean-like. They should be firm and slightly translucent. For cilantro, choose bright green leaves without any wilting. Avoid any brown or yellow leaves. When buying avocados, pick ones that yield slightly when pressed. This means they are ripe. If they feel hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few days. Cook shrimp quickly to keep them tender. Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook in batches. Warming tortillas makes them soft and tasty. Heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This helps keep them pliable for wrapping. For great tacos, distribute toppings evenly. Start with shrimp, then add avocado and cabbage. A spoonful of pico de gallo adds flavor. To balance flavors, think of textures and tastes. The creamy avocado pairs well with crunchy cabbage. The fresh pico de gallo adds a zesty kick. Enjoy the mix of flavors in every bite! {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Fish like tilapia or salmon works well. Chicken is another great choice. Just grill or sauté it like shrimp. For a vegetarian option, try grilled veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions make a tasty mix. Tofu is also a solid choice. It soaks up flavors well and adds protein. Want more flavor? Add spices! Smoked paprika gives a rich taste. Sriracha adds heat if you like it spicy. Fruits can also enhance your tacos. Mango or pineapple add a sweet touch. Their freshness balances the spice perfectly. You can mix them into salsa or top your tacos directly. These tacos pair well with side dishes. Mexican rice adds a hearty touch. Black beans are also a great choice. They add protein and fiber to your meal. For drinks, consider a light beer or margarita. A refreshing agua fresca can be perfect too. Pairing drinks and sides makes your meal even better. To keep your leftover shrimp tacos fresh, place them in a sealed container. Make sure to separate the ingredients to prevent sogginess. Store shrimp and toppings in one container and tortillas in another. This helps maintain texture and flavor. When you are ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. Warm the tortillas in the skillet for a minute before serving. Yes, you can freeze shrimp and tortillas. To freeze shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For tortillas, stack them and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place both items in the freezer. To thaw shrimp, move them to the fridge overnight. For tortillas, leave them at room temperature for an hour. You can also warm them directly in a skillet. This method helps retain their flavor and texture. Marinated shrimp lasts about 1-2 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smell before using. If cooked, shrimp tacos should be eaten within 3 days for the best taste. Store them in the fridge and follow the previous tips for keeping them fresh. Making Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos is quick and easy. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy these tasty tacos in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend meal! Yes, you can add some heat! You can mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you like smokiness, try adding smoked paprika. For an extra kick, sprinkle in more chili powder. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste! These tacos pair well with many sides and drinks. Here are some ideas: - Mexican rice - Black beans - Grilled corn on the cob - Chips with salsa or guacamole - A cold beer or a refreshing margarita Yes, you can prep a few components in advance! Marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead. You can also warm the tortillas before serving. Just remember, assemble the tacos right before eating to keep them fresh and crunchy! This blog post covers a simple and tasty way to make cilantro lime shrimp tacos. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to perfect your taco game. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can also switch proteins or add your favorite spices for variety. Whether you enjoy them right away or save leftovers, these tacos are sure to please. Dive into creating your own delicious tacos, and enjoy every bite you take!$

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Savor the flavors of summer with these irresistible cilantro lime shrimp tacos! Bursting with fresh ingredients like shrimp, cilantro, lime, and avocado, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering. In just 40 minutes, you can create delicious tacos that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, cleaned and deveined

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 corn tortillas

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade)

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp with chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.

Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.

While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or until soft and pliable.

To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with slices of avocado, shredded red cabbage, and a generous spoonful of pico de gallo.

Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4