– **Title**: Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce And Cilantro Lime Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
– For the Spicy Shrimp:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (more to taste)
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
– For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For Assembling the Tacos:
– Corn or flour tortillas
– Lime wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Shrimp**: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. **Make the Creamy Sriracha Sauce**: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and salt. Adjust the Sriracha to your desired spiciness level.
3. **Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw**: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to mix well.
4. **Cook the Shrimp**: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
5. **Assemble the Tacos**: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Layer shrimp onto each tortilla, top with cilantro lime slaw, and drizzle with creamy Sriracha sauce.
6. **Serve**: Garnish with lime wedges and enjoy your spicy shrimp tacos!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe, but if you can’t find them, medium shrimp will work too. You can also use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. If you’re out, avocado oil or grapeseed oil are great alternatives. They also have high smoke points for cooking.
Mayo: For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo. This will give a similar creamy texture with less fat.
Sriracha Sauce: If you prefer less heat, try using a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce or even ketchup mixed with hot sauce to taste for that tangy flavor without the spice.
Coleslaw Mix: If coleslaw mix is hard to find, shred your own cabbage and carrots. You could also use kale or even thinly sliced bell peppers for a different twist.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp to Perfection?
Cook shrimp quickly to keep them tender and juicy. Overcooking makes them rubbery! Here’s how:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Don’t skip this step; you want that sizzle!
- Add the shrimp in a single layer; this helps them cook evenly. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Look for that tell-tale pink color and opaque flesh. Once you see that, remove them from the heat immediately.
For added flavor, consider adding some lime juice directly to the skillet while cooking the shrimp. It gives a fresh burst of flavor!
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce And Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spicy Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (more to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges for serving
- Additional cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook, making for a total of about 25 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these tasty tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by taking a medium bowl and tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is nicely coated with the spices. This will give the shrimp a wonderful flavor!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take them off the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:
Now, grab a small bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until it’s smooth. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more Sriracha! Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
4. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper. Toss it well until everything is nicely combined and the cabbage is coated. This slaw is fresh and adds a great crunch!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s taco time! Warm up your tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave. Once warmed, lay them out and pile on a generous amount of the cilantro lime slaw on each one. Then, add several shrimp on top and drizzle the creamy Sriracha sauce over everything. Yum!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some extra cilantro on your tacos if you want, and serve them with lime wedges on the side for adding a little extra zing when eating. Enjoy these delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Mayo in the Creamy Sriracha Sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option or want to make it dairy-free, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo. Both will provide a nice creaminess while keeping the flavor profiles intact. If using Greek yogurt, you might want to add a touch more lime juice for extra acidity.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos or Ingredients?
For best results, store the shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet before assembling the tacos, and give the slaw a quick toss to freshen it up!
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cilantro lime slaw a day in advance! Just mix the slaw ingredients and store it in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, it’s best to add the cilantro just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
