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- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - Seasonings: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper - Fresh produce: red cabbage, mango, carrots, cilantro, lime, avocado For these spicy shrimp tacos, I focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. The shrimp is the star of the show, so make sure you pick good quality, peeled, and deveined shrimp. The seasonings bring out the flavor. Chili powder adds warmth, cumin adds earthiness, while smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Adjust the cayenne to your liking for heat. The mango slaw is key to balancing the spice. I love using red cabbage for its color and crunch. The mango adds sweetness, while grated carrots bring in a bit of texture. Fresh cilantro brightens everything up. Don't forget the lime juice; it adds a zesty kick! - Small corn tortillas - Alternative tortilla suggestions for gluten-free or low-carb options I prefer small corn tortillas for these tacos. They hold everything together perfectly. If you're gluten-free, look for corn or cassava flour options. For a low-carb choice, try lettuce wraps or even jicama slices as a fresh alternative. - Lime wedges - Additional cilantro leaves for presentation Garnishing makes a big difference! Lime wedges add a burst of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top looks pretty and adds more flavor. You can also add sliced avocado for creaminess. These small touches elevate your taco game! To start, take 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix these shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. For a kick, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the shrimp are fully coated. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside. Now, let’s create the mango slaw. In a new bowl, combine 1 cup of finely shredded red cabbage, 1 ripe mango cut into thin matchsticks, and 1/2 cup of freshly grated carrots. Add in 1/4 cup of roughly chopped cilantro. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lime juice and mix in 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. Toss all the ingredients gently. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. For the tortillas, warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Do this for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them pliable and slightly toasted. Now, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Place a generous spoonful of the cooked shrimp right in the center of each warmed tortilla. Top with a hearty scoop of the tropical mango slaw. For a creamy touch, add a few slices of avocado on top. Serve your tacos right away, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy! - Timing for tender shrimp: Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them pink and opaque. Don’t overcook! This keeps them juicy and tender. - Adjusting spice levels to preference: If you like it hot, add more cayenne pepper. For milder tacos, cut back on the cayenne. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect spice level. - Ingredient swaps for flavor variations: Try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick. You can also use red onion for more zing. Don’t be scared to mix it up! - Additional toppings for crunch: Top your tacos with toasted nuts or crispy tortilla strips. These add a nice crunch and extra flavor to your dish. - Plating ideas for appealing taco presentation: Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter. Use fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of green. Serve lime wedges on the side for a bright touch. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can switch up the shrimp for chicken, fish, or tofu. Each protein gives a new taste. For chicken, use the same spices but cook until it reaches 165°F. For fish, a firm type like cod works well. For tofu, press it first to remove extra water. You can season tofu with the same spices. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. Get creative with your slaw! You can add fruits like pineapple or jicama for extra sweetness. Toss in bell peppers for crunch or even mango for a fruit twist. For the dressing, try a bit of yogurt or a spicy mayo for a creamy touch. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of lime juice for a tangy flavor. Want a low-carb meal? Swap the tortillas for leafy greens like romaine or collard greens. They add a nice crunch and freshness. If you prefer flour tortillas, use whole wheat or spinach for a different taste. You might even try a corn and chia seed tortilla for added nutrients! Each option gives a unique twist to your tacos. To keep your shrimp and slaw fresh, store them in separate containers. Use airtight containers to avoid moisture. Leftover shrimp can last up to 2 days in the fridge. The mango slaw stays fresh for about 1 day. When reheating shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy. For tortillas, warm them in a dry pan for 30 seconds. This keeps them soft and pliable for your tacos. You can freeze shrimp and slaw, but do it separately. Place shrimp in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. For slaw, use a container that seals tightly. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat shrimp in a skillet and enjoy fresh slaw right away. Yes, you can prep shrimp tacos ahead of time. However, for the best taste, cook the shrimp just before serving. You can marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to soak in. Prepare the mango slaw up to a day before. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Warm the tortillas right before serving. This keeps them soft and tasty. To create a full meal, serve your tacos with a few tasty sides. Consider fresh guacamole for a creamy dip. Black bean salad brings a nice contrast. A side of corn on the cob adds sweetness. You can also serve tortilla chips with salsa. These sides complement the shrimp tacos well and enhance the meal. To add more heat to your tacos, increase the cayenne pepper in the shrimp mix. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Try a spicy hot sauce on top for extra flavor. If you like it really hot, consider using habanero or serrano peppers in the slaw. Adjust these according to your spice level preference. This blog post covered how to make delicious shrimp tacos. We discussed key ingredients like shrimp, spices, and fresh produce. You learned about different tortilla options and how to prepare a tasty mango slaw. I shared tips for cooking shrimp and enhancing your slaw, plus creative variations for proteins and toppings. In conclusion, you have all the tools for tasty tacos. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impressing friends and family!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw

Elevate your taco night with these fiery shrimp tacos topped with refreshing tropical mango slaw! Bursting with flavor from spiced shrimp and vibrant mango, this quick recipe is perfect for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can create delicious tacos that impress. Ready to spice up your dinner? Click through to explore this easy recipe that will have everyone coming back for more!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 ripe mango, cut into thin matchsticks (julienned)

1/2 cup carrots, freshly grated

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

      In a separate mixing bowl, create the mango slaw by combining the finely shredded red cabbage, julienned mango, grated carrots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Toss the ingredients together gently until well mixed, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Warm the small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they are pliable and slightly toasted.

          To assemble your tacos, place a generous spoonful of the cooked shrimp onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Add a hearty scoop of the tropical mango slaw on top, and finish with a few slices of creamy avocado.

            Serve the tacos immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for an added burst of zest and freshness.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the tacos on a vibrant platter, and sprinkle with additional fresh cilantro leaves. Serve the lime wedges on the side for a pop of color and added flavor enhancement.