Description
Learn how to make crispy shrimp tacos with perfectly seasoned shrimp coated in a golden, crunchy crust and paired with fresh toppings like cabbage slaw, cilantro, avocado, and a creamy sauce. This quick and easy recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare, offering a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Breading
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Tortillas and Toppings
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (use gluten-free tortillas if needed)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Lime wedges, for serving
Sauce
- 1/2 cup crema, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or lime crema
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder to build a robust flavor base.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko. This ensures a perfect dredging process for a crispy coating.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press into the breadcrumbs, ensuring every surface is evenly coated for consistent crispiness.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Toppings: While shrimp cooks, shred the cabbage or slaw mix finely, chop cilantro, slice avocado, cut lime wedges, and prepare your chosen creamy sauce or crema.
- Assemble the Shrimp Tacos: Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave. Layer each tortilla with cabbage slaw, crispy shrimp, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly before breading to help the coating adhere better and fry crispier.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; cook shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid soggy coating.
- Use fresh lime juice for brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of fried shrimp.
- Warm tortillas slightly before assembling to prevent tearing and improve pliability.
- Experiment with different toppings, sauces, and herbs for a personalized flavor twist each time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg