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Fast and easy shrimp tacos topped with avocado crema and crispy cabbage slaw on corn tortillas

Fast and Easy Shrimp Tacos

Fresh and delicious shrimp tacos with a slightly spicy avocado crema and crispy cabbage slaw, ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 321

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice from 1 lime, for marinade
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed, about 30 shrimp
  • 1 small avocado ripe
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 0.25 cup sour cream or dairy-free alternative
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice from 1 to 2 limes, for crema
  • 0.25 cup cilantro lightly packed
  • 1 small jalapeno seeded
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 0.25 white onion very thinly sliced
  • 0.33 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 8 corn tortillas 6-inch warmed
  • lime wedges for serving
  • Mexican hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • large skillet
  • Large mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for no more than 15 minutes. Exceeding this time causes the lime acid to toughen the shrimp.
  2. Make the crema. Add the avocado, garlic, sour cream, salt, lime juice, cilantro, and seeded jalapeno to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  3. Make the slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, thinly sliced white onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss with 1/2 cup of the avocado crema until fully coated. Set aside.
  4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or over a low gas flame for a light char. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and pliable.
  5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until glistening. Add the shrimp in a single layer without crowding. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until fully opaque and cooked through.
  6. Place 3 to 4 shrimp on each warm tortilla. Top with the cabbage slaw and drizzle with the remaining avocado crema. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce if using.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp for more than 15 minutes or they will become tough. Use fresh lime juice only. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative. For mild tacos, omit the jalapeno. Large shrimp means 26 to 40 per pound. Cabbage can be shredded 1 to 2 days ahead. Crema can be made a few hours in advance and stored with plastic wrap pressed against the surface.
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