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A vibrant plate of easy shrimp tacos with fresh toppings.

Zesty Garlic Shrimp Tacos

These Zesty Garlic Shrimp Tacos are a quick and flavorful meal featuring succulent shrimp seasoned with garlic and spices, served in warm tortillas with fresh cabbage, parsley, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 tacos
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Taco Components

  • 8-12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1-2 limes, cut into wedges

Optional Toppings

  • creamy avocado crema (blended avocado, lime juice, a touch of Greek yogurt)
  • corn salsa
  • crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Combine shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to coat and marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • While the shrimp marinates, prepare your desired toppings by shredding cabbage, chopping parsley, and slicing limes. If making avocado crema, blend the ingredients until smooth.

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  • While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven until pliable.

Assembly

  • Fill each warm tortilla with cooked shrimp, then top with shredded green cabbage, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lime juice, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the shrimp marinade. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options, to suit your dietary preferences.