Garlicky Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These garlicky shrimp tacos are a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Juicy shrimp cooked in a garlic and smoked paprika sauce come together with fresh toppings for a delicious and easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving
• Salt, to taste
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (about 2 dozen)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Warm corn tortillas
• Sliced avocado
• Sliced radishes
• Pico de gallo
• Cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Season with salt to taste, mix well, and set aside to make the lime crema.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season half the shrimp with salt and sear for 1 minute on each side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining shrimp.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp and any juices to the skillet. Cook, turning and basting the shrimp in the garlicky oil, until opaque and well coated, about 2 minutes. Transfer shrimp and sauce to a shallow serving bowl.
5. Step 5: To assemble tacos, place a few shrimp in the center of each warm tortilla. Drizzle some garlic oil from the skillet over the shrimp. Top with sliced avocado, radishes, pico de gallo, cilantro leaves, and a spoonful of the lime crema.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the shrimp.
• Swap corn tortillas for flour if preferred, but warm them gently to avoid cracking.
• Use pre-made pico de gallo or fresh salsa verde for a different flavor twist.
• If you like more lime flavor, add additional lime juice to the crema or squeeze fresh lime over finished tacos.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Tortillas and fresh toppings are best kept separate and added fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure they sear nicely.

What can I serve with these shrimp tacos?

They pair well with Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Garlicky Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 292 reviews

These Garlicky Shrimp Tacos are a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp seared to perfection and coated in a zesty garlic and smoked paprika sauce. Topped with creamy lime sour cream, fresh avocado, crunchy radishes, pico de gallo, and cilantro, these tacos deliver a vibrant combination of textures and bright flavors perfect for any taco night.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Condiments

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving
• Salt, to taste

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (about 2 dozen)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Serving

• Warm corn tortillas
• Sliced avocado
• Sliced radishes
• Pico de gallo
• Cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the lime crema: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Season with salt to taste and mix thoroughly. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season half of the shrimp with salt and add to the hot skillet. Sear for 1 minute on each side until just cooked through, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining shrimp.
3. Create the garlic paprika sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Finish cooking the shrimp: Return all the seared shrimp along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cook while turning and basting them in the fragrant garlic paprika oil until shrimp turn opaque and are nicely coated, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer shrimp and sauce to a shallow serving dish.
5. Assemble the tacos: Warm the corn tortillas and pile a few shrimp in the center of each. Drizzle some of the garlic oil over the shrimp. Top with sliced avocado, radishes, pico de gallo, cilantro leaves, and a drizzle of the lime crema. Serve with additional lime wedges on the side.

Notes

• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the lime crema.
• Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long.
• Warm tortillas before assembling for increased pliability and better taste.
• Pico de gallo can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• Optional: Add a sprinkle of queso fresco or a few drops of hot sauce for additional flavor.

Keywords: shrimp tacos, garlicky shrimp, Mexican tacos, garlic shrimp recipe, smoked paprika shrimp, easy shrimp tacos, lime crema, quick dinner, seafood tacos