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Minute Garlic Shrimp Tacos Quick and Easy Recipe

by on April 5, 2025

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Craving a quick and tasty meal? Try my Minute Garlic Shrimp Tacos! This easy recipe gets dinner on the table fast. With fresh shrimp and bold flavors, you’ll impress your friends or family in no time. I’ll share the best tips to pick shrimp, cook it perfectly, and customize your tacos just how you like them. Let’s make your next meal a hit!

- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 lime, cut into wedges - Fresh cilantro for garnish When choosing shrimp, look for firm, shiny shells. They should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Fresh shrimp should have a slight bounce when pressed. Avoid any that feel mushy. If you can, buy shrimp from local sources. This helps support your community and ensures quality. If you can't find shrimp, try using chicken or tofu instead. Both work well with the spices. For garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. If you want a different crunch, swap red cabbage for lettuce or slaw mix. Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a slight twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with 1 pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a good sear. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Each shrimp should be covered in flavor. This simple mix brings out the taste of the shrimp. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for best results. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Arrange them in a single layer in the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque as they cook. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy. While the shrimp cook, warm 8 small corn tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet or on a grill. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. To build your tacos, start with a generous scoop of shredded red cabbage on each tortilla. Then, add a few pieces of garlic shrimp on top. Finish with slices of avocado for creaminess. Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve lime wedges on the side for extra zing. Enjoy your Minute Garlic Shrimp Tacos! To cook shrimp just right, start by patting them dry. This helps them sear and brown better. Toss the shrimp with garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Ensure they get a nice coat. Heat olive oil in a skillet until hot. Add the shrimp in one layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. If you overcook shrimp, they become tough and rubbery. Aim for that perfect tender bite! These tacos shine with fresh flavors. Serve them with a side of lime wedges. The lime juice brings brightness to the dish. Add slices of avocado for creaminess. Shredded cabbage gives a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. You can also pair the tacos with a light salad or rice. For extra fun, serve with hot sauce for those who like spice! Warming tortillas is key for a great taco. You can use a skillet, grill, or even the microwave. If using a skillet, heat it on medium. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds. Flip and warm the other side for the same time. The goal is to make them pliable and soft. If you use the microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel. Heat them for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to dry them out! Pro Tips Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry before cooking ensures they sear properly and develop a nice crust. Don’t Overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to maintain their tenderness; about 1-2 minutes per side is ideal. Warm Tortillas: Warming the corn tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their flavor, making for a better taco experience. Fresh Garnishes: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing touch to your tacos. {{image_2}} You can switch out shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well. You can also use fish like tilapia or salmon. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or chickpeas. Both add protein and flavor. You can sauté them with the same spices for great taste. Feel free to mix in new spices. For a kick, use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. If you want a fresh taste, try adding lime zest and fresh herbs. You can also use taco seasoning for a quick flavor boost. Each blend brings new life to your tacos. Toppings can change your taco game. Instead of red cabbage, try shredded carrots or radishes for crunch. You can add fresh salsa or mango salsa for a sweet touch. Feta cheese adds a salty bite. Don’t forget about pickled onions for zing. These changes let you create a taco that suits your taste. If you have leftover tacos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 1-2 days. To reheat shrimp, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, warm them on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. Heat for just a few minutes until warm. Take care not to overcook them again. Store shrimp, tortillas, and toppings separately. This keeps everything fresh longer. Place shrimp in a sealed bag. Keep tortillas wrapped in a cloth or in a container. Store toppings like cabbage and avocado in airtight containers. This method helps maintain their taste and texture. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them sear nicely. Follow the same steps in the recipe for seasoning and cooking. The flavor will still shine through! You can get creative with toppings! Here are some favorites: - Shredded lettuce - Diced tomatoes - Chopped onions - Sliced jalapeños - Fresh salsa - Crumbled feta cheese These toppings add flavor and texture. Try a mix of them for a fun twist! To add spice, you have options. Here are some ideas: - Use more chili powder. - Add crushed red pepper flakes. - Top with spicy salsa or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Enjoy the heat! In this blog post, we covered key ingredients for shrimp tacos, including tips for picking fresh shrimp and substitutes. We laid out detailed steps for preparing and cooking shrimp perfectly, and shared helpful advice on serving and storing. You can explore variations with different proteins, spices, and toppings for unique tastes. Now, armed with these insights, you're ready to whip up delicious shrimp tacos that impress, using the freshest ingredients and smart techniques. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, chili powder, and cumin gives the shrimp an amazing depth of flavor.
  3. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh avocado and cabbage adds a delightful crunch and creaminess to the tacos.
  4. Customizable: You can easily modify the toppings or spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 8 small corn tortillas

– 1 cup shredded red cabbage

– 1 avocado, sliced

– 1 lime, cut into wedges

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Tips for Selecting Fresh Shrimp

When choosing shrimp, look for firm, shiny shells. They should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Fresh shrimp should have a slight bounce when pressed. Avoid any that feel mushy. If you can, buy shrimp from local sources. This helps support your community and ensures quality.

Suggested Substitutes for Key Ingredients

If you can’t find shrimp, try using chicken or tofu instead. Both work well with the spices. For garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. If you want a different crunch, swap red cabbage for lettuce or slaw mix. Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a slight twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Shrimp and Seasoning

Start with 1 pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a good sear.

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Each shrimp should be covered in flavor. This simple mix brings out the taste of the shrimp.

Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for best results. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Arrange them in a single layer in the pan.

Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque as they cook. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy.

Assembly of Tacos

While the shrimp cook, warm 8 small corn tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet or on a grill. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold.

To build your tacos, start with a generous scoop of shredded red cabbage on each tortilla. Then, add a few pieces of garlic shrimp on top. Finish with slices of avocado for creaminess.

Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve lime wedges on the side for extra zing. Enjoy your Minute Garlic Shrimp Tacos!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

To cook shrimp just right, start by patting them dry. This helps them sear and brown better. Toss the shrimp with garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Ensure they get a nice coat. Heat olive oil in a skillet until hot. Add the shrimp in one layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. If you overcook shrimp, they become tough and rubbery. Aim for that perfect tender bite!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These tacos shine with fresh flavors. Serve them with a side of lime wedges. The lime juice brings brightness to the dish. Add slices of avocado for creaminess. Shredded cabbage gives a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. You can also pair the tacos with a light salad or rice. For extra fun, serve with hot sauce for those who like spice!

Best Practices for Warming Tortillas

Warming tortillas is key for a great taco. You can use a skillet, grill, or even the microwave. If using a skillet, heat it on medium. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds. Flip and warm the other side for the same time. The goal is to make them pliable and soft. If you use the microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel. Heat them for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to dry them out!

Pro Tips

  1. Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry before cooking ensures they sear properly and develop a nice crust.
  2. Don’t Overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to maintain their tenderness; about 1-2 minutes per side is ideal.
  3. Warm Tortillas: Warming the corn tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their flavor, making for a better taco experience.
  4. Fresh Garnishes: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing touch to your tacos.

Variations

Alternate Proteins or Vegetables

You can switch out shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well. You can also use fish like tilapia or salmon. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or chickpeas. Both add protein and flavor. You can sauté them with the same spices for great taste.

Different Spice Blends to Try

Feel free to mix in new spices. For a kick, use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. If you want a fresh taste, try adding lime zest and fresh herbs. You can also use taco seasoning for a quick flavor boost. Each blend brings new life to your tacos.

Customizing Toppings for Unique Flavors

Toppings can change your taco game. Instead of red cabbage, try shredded carrots or radishes for crunch. You can add fresh salsa or mango salsa for a sweet touch. Feta cheese adds a salty bite. Don’t forget about pickled onions for zing. These changes let you create a taco that suits your taste.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Tacos

If you have leftover tacos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 1-2 days.

Reheating Tips for Shrimp

To reheat shrimp, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, warm them on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. Heat for just a few minutes until warm. Take care not to overcook them again.

Best Practices for Storing Ingredients Separately

Store shrimp, tortillas, and toppings separately. This keeps everything fresh longer. Place shrimp in a sealed bag. Keep tortillas wrapped in a cloth or in a container. Store toppings like cabbage and avocado in airtight containers. This method helps maintain their taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them sear nicely. Follow the same steps in the recipe for seasoning and cooking. The flavor will still shine through!

What are some good toppings for garlic shrimp tacos?

You can get creative with toppings! Here are some favorites:

– Shredded lettuce

– Diced tomatoes

– Chopped onions

– Sliced jalapeños

– Fresh salsa

– Crumbled feta cheese

These toppings add flavor and texture. Try a mix of them for a fun twist!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add spice, you have options. Here are some ideas:

– Use more chili powder.

– Add crushed red pepper flakes.

– Top with spicy salsa or hot sauce.

Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Enjoy the heat!

In this blog post, we covered key ingredients for shrimp tacos, including tips for picking fresh shrimp and substitutes. We laid out detailed steps for preparing and cooking shrimp perfectly, and shared helpful advice on serving and storing. You can explore variations with different proteins, spices, and toppings for unique tastes. Now, armed with these insights, you’re ready to whip up delicious shrimp tacos that impress, using the freshest ingredients and smart techniques. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bit

- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 lime, cut into wedges - Fresh cilantro for garnish When choosing shrimp, look for firm, shiny shells. They should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Fresh shrimp should have a slight bounce when pressed. Avoid any that feel mushy. If you can, buy shrimp from local sources. This helps support your community and ensures quality. If you can't find shrimp, try using chicken or tofu instead. Both work well with the spices. For garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. If you want a different crunch, swap red cabbage for lettuce or slaw mix. Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice for a slight twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with 1 pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a good sear. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Each shrimp should be covered in flavor. This simple mix brings out the taste of the shrimp. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for best results. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Arrange them in a single layer in the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque as they cook. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy. While the shrimp cook, warm 8 small corn tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet or on a grill. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. To build your tacos, start with a generous scoop of shredded red cabbage on each tortilla. Then, add a few pieces of garlic shrimp on top. Finish with slices of avocado for creaminess. Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve lime wedges on the side for extra zing. Enjoy your Minute Garlic Shrimp Tacos! To cook shrimp just right, start by patting them dry. This helps them sear and brown better. Toss the shrimp with garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Ensure they get a nice coat. Heat olive oil in a skillet until hot. Add the shrimp in one layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. If you overcook shrimp, they become tough and rubbery. Aim for that perfect tender bite! These tacos shine with fresh flavors. Serve them with a side of lime wedges. The lime juice brings brightness to the dish. Add slices of avocado for creaminess. Shredded cabbage gives a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. You can also pair the tacos with a light salad or rice. For extra fun, serve with hot sauce for those who like spice! Warming tortillas is key for a great taco. You can use a skillet, grill, or even the microwave. If using a skillet, heat it on medium. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds. Flip and warm the other side for the same time. The goal is to make them pliable and soft. If you use the microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel. Heat them for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to dry them out! Pro Tips Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry before cooking ensures they sear properly and develop a nice crust. Don’t Overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to maintain their tenderness; about 1-2 minutes per side is ideal. Warm Tortillas: Warming the corn tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their flavor, making for a better taco experience. Fresh Garnishes: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing touch to your tacos. {{image_2}} You can switch out shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well. You can also use fish like tilapia or salmon. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or chickpeas. Both add protein and flavor. You can sauté them with the same spices for great taste. Feel free to mix in new spices. For a kick, use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. If you want a fresh taste, try adding lime zest and fresh herbs. You can also use taco seasoning for a quick flavor boost. Each blend brings new life to your tacos. Toppings can change your taco game. Instead of red cabbage, try shredded carrots or radishes for crunch. You can add fresh salsa or mango salsa for a sweet touch. Feta cheese adds a salty bite. Don’t forget about pickled onions for zing. These changes let you create a taco that suits your taste. If you have leftover tacos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 1-2 days. To reheat shrimp, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, warm them on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. Heat for just a few minutes until warm. Take care not to overcook them again. Store shrimp, tortillas, and toppings separately. This keeps everything fresh longer. Place shrimp in a sealed bag. Keep tortillas wrapped in a cloth or in a container. Store toppings like cabbage and avocado in airtight containers. This method helps maintain their taste and texture. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them sear nicely. Follow the same steps in the recipe for seasoning and cooking. The flavor will still shine through! You can get creative with toppings! Here are some favorites: - Shredded lettuce - Diced tomatoes - Chopped onions - Sliced jalapeños - Fresh salsa - Crumbled feta cheese These toppings add flavor and texture. Try a mix of them for a fun twist! To add spice, you have options. Here are some ideas: - Use more chili powder. - Add crushed red pepper flakes. - Top with spicy salsa or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Enjoy the heat! In this blog post, we covered key ingredients for shrimp tacos, including tips for picking fresh shrimp and substitutes. We laid out detailed steps for preparing and cooking shrimp perfectly, and shared helpful advice on serving and storing. You can explore variations with different proteins, spices, and toppings for unique tastes. Now, armed with these insights, you're ready to whip up delicious shrimp tacos that impress, using the freshest ingredients and smart techniques. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Minute Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Quick and flavorful shrimp tacos with garlic, spices, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 1 whole lime, cut into wedges
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better.
  • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are coated evenly.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer.
  • Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
  • While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or on a grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they're pliable.
  • To assemble the tacos, place a generous scoop of shredded cabbage on each tortilla. Top it with the garlic shrimp and a few slices of avocado.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Serve the lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword garlic, quick meal, shrimp, tacos

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