Description
This Quick Shrimp Tacos recipe offers a flavorful and speedy way to enjoy succulent shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and cumin, served in warm tortillas with crisp cabbage, tangy red onion, and a creamy shrimp taco sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these tacos combine freshness, spice, and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed and deveined (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (purchased or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables
- 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water
Other Ingredients
- 1 recipe Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce (prepared separately and chilled)
- 8 tortillas
- 2 limes, cut into wedges (divided)
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Make the Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce according to your favorite recipe or a provided recipe. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prep the Vegetables: Thinly slice the green cabbage. Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to reduce its sharp flavor; drain before serving.
- Season the Shrimp: Mince the garlic. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then place them in a medium bowl. Toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, cumin, kosher salt, and the minced garlic until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until opaque and cooked through, turning with tongs as needed. Spritz the cooked shrimp with the juice of two lime wedges for added freshness.
- Char the Tortillas (Optional): If desired, char the tortillas by placing them one at a time over an open gas flame on medium for a few seconds per side, flipping with tongs, until slightly blackened and warm. Alternatively, warm them in a skillet.
- Assemble the Tacos: To assemble, layer the sliced cabbage and red onion on each tortilla, top with cooked shrimp, and squeeze the juice of a lime wedge over each. Drizzle with the Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soaking the red onion in cold water reduces its sharpness and mellows the flavor.
- Charred tortillas add a smoky flavor but warming them in a skillet works well too.
- You can peel the shrimp before cooking for easier eating or leave the shells on for more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly the salt and spices.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil.
