– **Title**: Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce And Cilantro Lime Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Shrimp**:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– **For the Cilantro Lime Slaw**:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
– 1/2 cup diced cilantro
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Tacos**:
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Lime wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Shrimp**: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
2. **Cook the Shrimp**: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
3. **Make the Creamy Sriracha Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust Sriracha to taste for desired spice level.
4. **Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw**: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, diced cilantro, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until well mixed and set aside.
5. **Assemble the Tacos**: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a portion of spicy shrimp, top with cilantro lime slaw, and drizzle with creamy Sriracha sauce.
6. **Serve**: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for additional flavor. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well here. If you’re allergic or don’t eat seafood, consider using diced chicken or firm tofu as alternatives. Both can soak up the spices well!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika add warmth and depth to the shrimp. Don’t have these? Use taco seasoning to save time or adjust with your favorite spices that you have on hand.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise in the creamy sauce. It gives a nice tang plus added protein. If you want a vegan alternative, use a plant-based mayo!
Cabbage: You can swap the green and red cabbage for any crunchy greens like cauliflower or romaine. They provide a nice crunch and are full of nutrients.
Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas are both delicious. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas or make your own with gluten-free flours!
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp might feel tricky, but it’s quite simple. The key is to avoid overcooking! When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Follow these steps:
- Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Heat your skillet well before adding shrimp; a hot pan gives a great sear.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for that bright pink color.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sriracha Sauce and Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spicy Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Additional cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes total, including 15-30 minutes for marinating the shrimp. You’ll need a little time to prepare the slaw and sauce, cook the shrimp, and assemble the tacos. It’s a fun and tasty dish to make, perfect for a weeknight or celebration!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spicy Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well-coated in the spices. Let it marinate for about 15 to 30 minutes to really soak up those flavors!
2. Make the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
While the shrimp is marinating, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and honey (if you’re using it). Taste the sauce and add more Sriracha if you want it spicier! Set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over this mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything well until it’s nicely mixed. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the cabbage soften a bit!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and cooked through. Then, remove them from the heat!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable. Take each tortilla and layer it with some spicy shrimp, then add a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw on top. Finally, drizzle with the creamy Sriracha sauce you made earlier.
6. Garnish and Serve:
For an extra touch, sprinkle additional cilantro over the tacos. Serve them up with lime wedges on the side for that zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sriracha Sauce and Cilantro Lime Slaw!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Pat dry before seasoning to avoid too much moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or have a mayo allergy, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. It offers creaminess with a tangy flavor. You can also try using avocado to make it even creamier and more nutritious!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the shrimp, slaw, and sauce separate from the tortillas to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet on medium heat before assembling again if you prefer them warm!
Can I Prepare the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cilantro lime slaw a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will soften the flavors nicely. Just give it a good toss before serving to re-distribute the dressing!
