Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 cup shredded cabbage (purple or green, or a mix) - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish These ingredients create a balance of flavors. The shrimp brings a sweet taste, while the spices add heat. The avocado and cabbage provide coolness and crunch. - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - Zest and juice of 1 lime - Salt to taste The lime crema adds a creamy, tangy touch. The zest and juice brighten the flavor, making each bite pop. When buying fresh shrimp, look for these tips: - Smell: Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Color: The shrimp should look moist and translucent. Avoid any that appear dull or dry. - Texture: Fresh shrimp should feel firm, not mushy. - Shell: The shells should be clean and shiny, without any dark spots. By following these tips, you ensure your shrimp are fresh and tasty. A good start makes a great meal! To start, rinse the shrimp under cold water. This helps remove any grit. Then, peel and devein them if needed. In a mixing bowl, add the shrimp. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over them. This oil keeps the shrimp moist and tasty. In a small bowl, combine the spices. Use 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well. This spice mixture gives the shrimp a nice kick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and be fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the heat. This quick cooking makes them tender and flavorful. While the shrimp cooks, you can prepare the lime crema. Enjoy the process and get ready for the tasty tacos! To cook shrimp well, start with fresh shrimp. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink when done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Keep an eye on them! Warming tortillas makes them soft and easy to fold. You can warm them in a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, heat it dry over medium heat. Place the tortillas in for about 30 seconds on each side. In the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for 15-20 seconds. This keeps them moist and pliable. Want more heat? Add more cayenne pepper to the spice mix. Start with a little, then taste. You can also add hot sauce to the lime crema. If it’s too spicy, balance it with extra sour cream or mayonnaise. This way, you can make the tacos just right for you! {{image_2}} You can switch out shrimp for other proteins. Chicken, fish, or beef work well. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Just remember to adjust cooking times. For chicken, grill or sauté until cooked through. For fish, use a firm type like cod. Cook it quickly to keep it flaky and tender. If you need alternatives for lime crema, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds a nice tang. You can skip mayonnaise if you want fewer calories. Add more yogurt or a bit of olive oil. For lime flavor, use lemon juice or vinegar. Experiment until you find your favorite mix. Tacos are fun because you can add many toppings. Try diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or jalapeños for a kick. Feta or cotija cheese offers a salty bite. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can add a unique twist. You can also add a squeeze of lime for extra zest. The more toppings, the better the experience! To store leftover tacos, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the shrimp from the tortillas. This keeps the tortillas fresh. You can store the shrimp and toppings in the same container. They will stay good in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet. Warm the tortillas quickly to bring back their softness. If you want to freeze the shrimp, cook them fully first. Let the shrimp cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan for best results. To store lime crema, keep it in a sealed container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to toss it. You can also freeze lime crema, but the texture may change. To use frozen crema, thaw it in the fridge and stir well before serving. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and make the lime crema. Store them in the fridge. Keep the tortillas separate until serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Assemble the tacos just before you eat for the best flavor. You can use Greek yogurt for a tangy taste. It’s thick and creamy. Another option is to use avocado or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Both add a nice texture and flavor to your tacos. To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the spice mix. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the lime crema. Experiment with different spices like crushed red pepper for a unique kick. Adjust to your taste for the perfect spice level! This article covered how to make spicy shrimp tacos from scratch. We looked at the key ingredients, from fresh shrimp to zesty lime crema. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the shrimp and keeping tortillas warm. You learned tips for perfecting your dish and even some tasty variations. Lastly, I provided storage info so your leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy creating these delicious tacos. You now have all the tools to impress your friends and family!$

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema! This quick recipe combines shrimp coated in vibrant spices and creamy lime sauce, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun taco night. Discover the full recipe and elevate your taco game today! Click through for all the tasty details. #ShrimpTacos #TacoTuesday #RecipeInspiration #SeafoodLovers

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1 cup shredded cabbage (purple or green, or a mix)

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Lime Crema:

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Zest and juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

In a mixing bowl, add the shrimp and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.

While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the lime crema. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and salt to taste. Adjust lime juice for acidity according to preference.

Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.

Assemble the tacos by placing a few shrimp in the center of each tortilla, adding some sliced avocado and shredded cabbage on top.

Drizzle the lime crema over the toppings and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

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