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- Shrimp and Marinade Components - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest from 2 bright lemons - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Tortilla and Toppings Ingredients - 8 small, soft corn tortillas - 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage - 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced - Optional Garnishes - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving The shrimp and marinade come first. Use large shrimp for the best texture. The marinade has olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This blend gives your shrimp a zesty flavor. Next, pick soft corn tortillas. They wrap the shrimp well and add a nice touch. For toppings, use shredded red cabbage for crunch and avocado for creaminess. You can also add garnishes. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of flavor. Lime wedges give a nice zesty kick. This recipe is a great way to enjoy fresh, flavorful tacos. For the full recipe, check the complete details above. Start by getting a medium bowl. Add the shrimp to the bowl. Pour in the olive oil and squeeze the juice from two lemons. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well until the shrimp are covered in tasty marinade. Let the shrimp sit for 15 minutes. This step helps the flavors soak in. Next, heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and look opaque. When they are done, take the skillet off the heat. The shrimp should be juicy and full of flavor. Now, grab another dry skillet. Heat it on low. Place the corn tortillas in the skillet and warm each side for about 30 seconds. You want them to be soft and a little toasty. This makes them easier to fold and adds a nice touch. It's time to build your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and add a good amount of cooked shrimp on top. Next, pile on some shredded red cabbage for a nice crunch. Add a few slices of creamy avocado to balance the flavors. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top of each taco. This adds a burst of flavor. Serve your tacos right away with lime wedges on the side. The lime gives a nice zesty kick in every bite. Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best shrimp, start with large, fresh shrimp. They cook faster and stay juicy. Marinating them for 15 minutes makes a big difference. The lemon juice adds zing and helps tenderize the shrimp. When cooking, keep an eye on the time. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them once they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and chewy. Warming your tortillas is key for tasty tacos. Use a dry skillet on low heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and flexible. You can also wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven. This method keeps them warm if you are cooking for a crowd. To boost flavor, try adding toppings like fresh salsa or pickled onions. You can swap red cabbage for crunchy lettuce or slaw. A drizzle of creamy sauce adds richness. Experiment with spices like chili powder for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the dish. For a twist, add a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for other seafood, like scallops or fish. Chicken or tofu works well, too. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time. For chicken, cook until the inside reaches 165°F. For tofu, sauté until golden brown. Toppings can change your taco game. Try adding diced tomatoes or pickled onions for zest. You might enjoy fresh mango salsa or crunchy radishes. For a creamy touch, drizzle with yogurt or a spicy mayo. Mix up the spices in the marinade for fun flavors. Add chili powder for heat or coriander for a fresh taste. If you love smokiness, use chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika. Explore different spices to find your favorite combo. For the full recipe, check out the details above! After enjoying your zesty lemon garlic shrimp tacos, you may have some left. To store them, place the leftover tacos in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. The shrimp may lose some texture but will still taste great. When you're ready to enjoy your tacos again, avoid the microwave. It can make the shrimp rubbery. Instead, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the tacos to the skillet for about two minutes on each side. This method keeps the shrimp tender and warms the tortillas nicely. If you want to save the tacos for later, freezing is an option. First, separate the shrimp from the tortillas and toppings. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious meal whenever you like! For the full recipe, refer back to the complete instructions earlier in this article. To prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery, avoid overcooking them. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Marinating the shrimp helps keep them tender and flavorful. You can also use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the best texture. Yes, you can use other types of tortillas. Flour tortillas, whole wheat, or even lettuce wraps work great. Each type adds a unique taste and texture to your tacos. Just make sure to warm them up to enhance the flavor, as I do with corn tortillas in the Full Recipe. Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos pair well with several side dishes. Try a fresh corn salad or a simple avocado salad. You might also enjoy some chips and salsa for crunch. A light lime rice or black beans can balance the meal nicely. For meal prep, cook the shrimp in advance and store them in an airtight container. Keep the tortillas and toppings separate. This way, you can reheat the shrimp quickly when ready to eat. Make sure to pack the toppings so they stay fresh and crunchy. This method makes it easy to enjoy your tacos throughout the week! In this post, we covered all you need for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos. We discussed ingredients, marinating, cooking, and garnishing. Remember, shrimp should be tender, and tortillas warm. Try different proteins and toppings for fun twists. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for later. Enjoy making these tacos your own! Cooking is simple and can be tasty, so dive in and create a delicious meal.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these zesty lemon garlic shrimp tacos! Bursting with flavor from marinated shrimp, fresh avocado, and crunchy red cabbage, these tacos are a delightful way to enjoy a quick meal. Perfect for any night of the week, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Click through for the full recipe and transform your taco nights into a vibrant feast!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Juice and zest from 2 bright lemons

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

8 small, soft corn tortillas

1 cup finely shredded red cabbage

1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until the shrimp are well coated in the marinade. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

    Cook the Shrimp: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in an even layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and are opaque throughout. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat.

      Warm the Tortillas: In a separate dry skillet, warm the corn tortillas over low heat. Allow them to heat for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they become flexible and slightly toasted.

        Assemble the Tacos: For each taco, place a generous portion of the warm shrimp on a tortilla. Top with a handful of shredded red cabbage for crunch and a few slices of creamy avocado.

          Garnish and Serve: Finish off the tacos with fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled on top for a burst of flavor. Serve immediately accompanied by lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick with each bite.

            - Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4