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To make spicy garlic shrimp tacos, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s what you should gather: - 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 8 small corn tortillas These main ingredients create a delicious base for your tacos. Fresh shrimp brings great flavor, while garlic adds a nice kick. Corn tortillas hold everything together nicely. The magic of these tacos comes from the seasonings. You'll need: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon lime juice Combine these spices with the shrimp and garlic. The lime juice brightens the dish. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all those tasty flavors. Toppings make these tacos even better. Here are some great choices: - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup shredded cabbage - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Start by adding shredded cabbage to each tortilla. Then, place the cooked shrimp on top. Add avocado slices and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. Start with fresh shrimp. Use one pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. This makes the shrimp easy to cook and eat. Next, chop four cloves of garlic finely. This garlic adds a bold flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp and garlic. Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of chili powder. These spices give the shrimp a nice kick. Drizzle in one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lime juice. This helps the spices stick to the shrimp. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the shrimp is coated with the spices. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all the flavors. If you can, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. This keeps the shrimp fresh while it marinates. You can use this time to prepare your toppings, like slicing the avocado or shredding the cabbage. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated shrimp. Spread them out in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. While the shrimp cooks, warm eight small corn tortillas in another skillet. You can also heat them over a gas flame. Warm them until they are soft and a bit toasted. To assemble the tacos, place shredded cabbage on each tortilla. Top with the cooked shrimp and add slices of avocado. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. A squeeze of lime juice adds even more flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side. For the full recipe, check out the details above. When choosing shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. The shells should be shiny and firm. Avoid any shrimp with black spots. Size matters too; larger shrimp give a better bite. Always check for a slight curve in the shrimp; this means they are fresh. The marinade is the heart of these tacos. I mix garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder for a bold flavor. The key is to let the shrimp soak for 15-20 minutes. This time helps the shrimp absorb all the spices. Use lime juice for a zesty kick and olive oil for richness. Balance the salt and pepper to bring everything together. Wrapping tacos can be an art. Warm your tortillas to make them soft and pliable. I prefer to heat them in a skillet or over a flame. Once warmed, place your filling in the center. Fold the sides over first, then roll from the bottom up. This keeps everything snug inside. Practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll wrap tacos like a pro. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, use fish or chicken instead of shrimp. White fish like tilapia or cod works well. You can season it the same way as the shrimp. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut the chicken into small pieces and follow the same cooking steps. Both options will give you tasty tacos. For a vegan twist, try plant-based shrimp substitutes. These are made from ingredients like soy or pea protein. They mimic the texture of shrimp and absorb flavors well. Season them just like you would with real shrimp. Cook them in the same way, and you’ll have delicious vegan tacos. Toppings can change the whole taco experience. Try adding mango salsa for sweetness. Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch. If you like heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also mix in different greens like spinach or arugula for extra nutrition. Experiment with toppings to find your perfect combination. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! You can store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, store them separately. You want to enjoy their crunch later. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat the shrimp first. Place them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about three minutes until they’re hot. For the tortillas, warm them in a pan or microwave for a few seconds. This will help them stay soft. If you want to freeze ingredients, it's best to freeze the shrimp alone. Place the marinated shrimp in a freezer bag and remove the air. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, cook as normal. You can also freeze the shredded cabbage, but not the avocado. Avocado does not freeze well. For the full recipe, check the main article. You can add more chili powder to the shrimp mix. For extra heat, try cayenne pepper. This spice gives a nice kick. You can also use hot sauce. Just mix it into the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your taste. If you love spice, don’t hold back! Yes, you can prep many parts ahead of time. Cook the shrimp first, then cool it down. Place it in the fridge for later. You can also warm the tortillas before serving. Just don’t fill the tacos until you are ready to eat. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you can’t find corn tortillas, try flour tortillas. They work well and are soft. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. These add a nice crunch. Another choice is whole wheat tortillas for a healthier bite. Each option brings its own flavor and texture. You can now make tasty spicy garlic shrimp tacos with ease. We covered all you need, from choosing fresh shrimp to tasty toppings. I shared simple steps for marinating and cooking. Don't forget the tips to wrap and store your tacos. Try different variations for more flavor. This dish is fun to make and share. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with your skills!

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tacos are a delicious twist on taco night! This easy recipe features juicy shrimp marinated in garlic and spices, all nestled in warm corn tortillas. With just a few simple ingredients like avocado and fresh cabbage, you can create a flavorful meal in under 35 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos will impress your friends and family.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup shredded cabbage

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly in the spice mixture.

    Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

      Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.

        While the shrimp is cooking, warm the corn tortillas in another skillet or directly over a gas flame until they are pliable and lightly toasted.

          To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of shredded cabbage on each tortilla. Top with the cooked shrimp and then add slices of avocado.

            Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.

              Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for additional flavor.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4