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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and black pepper, to taste The star of this dish is the shrimp. You want large shrimp for a great bite. The olive oil adds a nice richness. Minced garlic brings depth to each bite. Fresh lemons give a bright zing. Smoked paprika adds warmth, while cumin gives an earthy note. Salt and black pepper help enhance all the flavors. - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Corn tortillas are the perfect base for these tacos. They have a nice flavor that pairs well with the shrimp. Green cabbage adds crunch and freshness. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet pop. Sliced avocado provides creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds brightness. Lime wedges are great for adding extra zing when you eat. For the Full Recipe, you can check the complete steps to bring these tacos to life! Start by placing the shrimp in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Then, add the zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well until all the shrimp are covered in the marinade. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Spread them out in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for the shrimp to turn opaque. When they do, they are fully cooked. Remove the skillet from heat. The shrimp should look bright and inviting. While the shrimp cook, take 8 small corn tortillas. Warm them in a separate skillet over low heat. You can also toast them briefly over an open flame. Once warm, grab a tortilla and place some cooked shrimp in the center. Top with a handful of finely shredded cabbage, a few halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of ripe avocado. For a final touch, add fresh cilantro leaves and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. When picking shrimp, you want to find ones that feel firm. Fresh shrimp also have a mild ocean scent. Avoid shrimp that smell strong or fishy. Their color should be bright and shiny. If you choose shrimp with shells, they should not look dry or dark. Always buy from trusted sources to ensure quality. Warming tortillas is key for soft, tasty tacos. You can heat them in a skillet over low heat. Just a minute on each side will do. If you want a smoky flavor, use an open flame. Hold the tortilla with tongs and toast it for a few seconds. This method adds a nice char. You can add more flavor to your shrimp tacos easily. Try using chipotle powder for heat. A touch of lime zest brightens the dish too. If you want a sweet note, add a bit of honey to the marinade. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley also work well. For a unique twist, use a bit of coconut milk in the marinade. This makes the shrimp rich and creamy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily add heat to your tacos. If you love spice, try adding jalapeños. Slice them thin and toss them with the cooked shrimp. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top. This adds a nice kick and balances the tangy lemon flavor. Not a fan of shrimp? You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. For chicken, use diced breast and cook it the same way. If you want tofu, press it to remove water. Then, cube it and marinate just like the shrimp. Both options will still taste great with lemon and garlic. Need gluten-free options? Use corn tortillas, which are safe for gluten-free diets. For vegan alternatives, replace shrimp with mushrooms or jackfruit. Both options soak up flavor well and make a hearty taco. You won’t miss the shrimp at all! Check out the full recipe for more details. After enjoying your zesty lemon garlic shrimp tacos, store any leftovers right away. Use airtight containers for the best results. Place the shrimp in one container and the toppings in another. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can store shrimp tacos in the fridge for up to three days. For added flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before sealing. To reheat your tacos, keep the shrimp and toppings separate. This helps keep the flavors bright. Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir gently until heated through. For the tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side. This will make them soft again. Once warmed, assemble your tacos as you did the first time. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. First, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents clumping. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer bag. You can freeze toppings like cabbage and tomatoes too. Just remember to keep them separate. Properly stored, shrimp can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge for best results. Enjoy your future meals with these simple steps! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, take the shrimp out of the freezer. Place them in a bowl of cold water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps thaw them quickly. Make sure to drain and pat them dry before using. Thawed shrimp should feel firm and not stick together. Shrimp tacos taste great with several side dishes. Here are some top picks: - Cilantro lime rice - Black beans - Refried beans - Corn salad - Fresh guacamole These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. You can store cooked shrimp tacos for up to two days. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store the shrimp and toppings separately. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet or microwave. Enjoy them while they still taste great! Making shrimp tacos is simple and fun. We covered the best ingredients, marinating methods, and cooking steps. Remember, fresh shrimp and warm tortillas make a big difference. Use toppings like cabbage, avocado, and cilantro for added flavor. You can even customize spice levels and try different proteins. Store leftovers properly for future meals. These tips help you enjoy tasty shrimp tacos anytime. Follow this guide, and you’ll impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Enjoy every bite!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Elevate your taco night with these Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos! With juicy shrimp marinated in garlic, zesty lemon, and a hint of spices, these tacos are bursting with flavor. Fresh toppings like cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and avocado add the perfect crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re ideal for a quick and delicious meal. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your dinner delightful!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper, to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 ripe avocado, sliced

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated in the flavorful marinade.

    Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked. Remove the skillet from heat once done.

      While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet over low heat or quickly toast them over an open flame for a few seconds on each side until they become pliable.

        To assemble the tacos, take a warm tortilla and place a generous portion of cooked shrimp in the center. Add a handful of finely shredded cabbage, a few halved cherry tomatoes, and a couple of slices of avocado on top.

          Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for garnish. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice over the assembled tacos for an added zing, if you like.

            Serve the tacos immediately, paired with lime wedges on the side to provide an additional splash of zesty flavor according to your preference.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4