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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon cumin - Juice of 1 lime - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients come together to create a rich and bold flavor. The shrimp gives the tacos their base. The garlic adds depth and aroma. Olive oil helps bind the flavors and keep the shrimp moist. Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper provide the heat that makes these tacos spicy. Cumin adds warmth and earthiness, while lime juice brightens everything up. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. - Juice of 1 lime - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste The marinade is key to making the shrimp flavorful. I love using lime juice for a fresh zing. Garlic brings a punch, while smoked paprika gives it a nice depth. Cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can adjust this to your taste. Cumin adds a warm note. Don't forget the salt and pepper! They balance out the flavors. - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Toppings bring the whole dish together. Corn tortillas hold everything in a delicious package. Avocado slices add creaminess and richness. Shredded cabbage gives a crunchy texture. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor. Lime wedges are perfect for squeezing over the tacos. They give an extra burst of freshness. First, gather your ingredients. You need one pound of large shrimp, four cloves of minced garlic, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and one teaspoon of cumin. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the bowl. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. The shrimp should be fully coated in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp. Spread them out in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and firm up when done. Remove them from the heat. While the shrimp cook, warm up your corn tortillas. You can use another skillet or a grill. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft. To make the tacos, place a few shrimp in the center of each tortilla. Add slices of avocado and a handful of shredded cabbage on top. Finish by adding fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. To cook shrimp well, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell clean and have a firm texture. Always thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight for best results. When cooking, heat your skillet until it’s hot. This helps seal in the shrimp’s juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them. They are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Choosing the right tortillas can make your tacos shine. Look for corn tortillas that feel soft and pliable. They should not crack when you bend them. Check for simple ingredients like corn, water, and salt. Fresh tortillas taste better, so visit a local market if possible. If you can’t find fresh ones, try heating store-bought tortillas on a skillet. This gives them a warm, toasty flavor. To boost flavor, add toppings that add freshness. Sliced avocado brings creaminess, while shredded cabbage adds crunch. Fresh cilantro gives a bright note. For extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime juice over the tacos brightens every bite. You can also try different spices in the marinade, like chili powder or garlic powder. {{image_2}} If you want to swap shrimp, try chicken or fish. Chicken thighs work well, too. For a plant-based option, use tofu or jackfruit. These alternatives still give great flavor. Make sure to adjust cooking times. You can change the spice level based on your taste. Use less cayenne pepper for mild tacos. For more heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. To switch up flavors, try using chili powder or curry powder. Each spice brings a new twist to the dish. Toppings can truly make your tacos shine. Try adding mango salsa for a sweet touch. Pickled onions add a nice crunch and tang. You can also use shredded carrots or radishes for extra color. Don't forget cheese or a drizzle of sour cream for creaminess. Each topping creates a unique taste. To keep your leftover shrimp tacos fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have leftover shrimp without the tortillas, store them in a separate container. For the best taste, reheat shrimp tacos on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the tacos in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes. This warms the tortillas and keeps the shrimp tender. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the tortillas chewy. Heat for about 30 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze the shrimp, do so before cooking. Place the marinated shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. For tortillas, stack them and wrap in plastic. Store them in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Shrimp tacos get their spice from cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount to your taste. Smoked paprika also adds warmth and depth. These spices mix with garlic and lime juice to create a bold flavor. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. Marinate them and store in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in. Cook the shrimp right before serving for the best taste. Many sides go well with shrimp tacos. Consider serving them with: - Mexican rice - Black beans - Grilled corn - A fresh salad - Chips and salsa These sides balance the heat and enhance your meal. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures! You now know how to make spicy garlic shrimp tacos. We covered the key ingredients, marinade, and toppings. I shared a simple step-by-step guide to prepare and cook them. I also offered tips for cooking shrimp and choosing tortillas. You can explore variations to fit your taste and learn about storing leftovers. Enjoy your tasty tacos and be creative with your flavors. Happy cooking!

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Dive into a flavor explosion with these Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos that are sure to impress! With a perfect blend of shrimp, garlic, and spices, these tacos are quick to make and incredibly delicious. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a satisfying meal topped with fresh avocado and crunchy cabbage. Ready to spice up your dinner? Click through for the full recipe and elevate your taco night to a whole new level!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon cumin

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup cabbage, finely shredded

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated in the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to infuse.

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.

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

        To assemble the tacos, place a few pieces of shrimp in the center of each tortilla. Top with a few slices of avocado and a generous handful of shredded cabbage.

          Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4