California Shrimp Tacos
Bright, fresh shrimp tacos with crispy slaw, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Ready in under 20 minutes for a weeknight dinner that tastes like the coast.
- Total time
- 18 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 32g
Ingredients
- ¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 count corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 1 count avocado
- 1 count lime
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp completely dry with a paper towel by pressing gently against each shrimp for a few seconds, which helps them cook quickly and brown evenly.
- 2
Cut the lime in half and set both halves on a small plate near your cooking station for easy access when squeezing.
- 3
Cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit, twist the halves apart, scoop the flesh into a small bowl, and mash roughly with a fork until chunky.
- 4
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, and wait until it shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.
- 5
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook without moving them for 90 seconds until the undersides turn pink.
- 6
Flip each shrimp over using tongs, then cook for another 60–90 seconds until the second side is pink and the flesh is opaque throughout when you cut one in half.
- 7
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
- 8
Warm the tortillas by placing each one directly over a medium gas flame for 10 seconds per side until pliable, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 45 seconds.
- 9
Place a tortilla on a plate, then add a small handful of coleslaw mix down the center.
- 10
Top the slaw with 2–3 shrimp per taco, then add a spoonful of mashed avocado.
- 11
Squeeze a small amount of fresh lime juice over the top of each taco, then repeat with remaining tortillas.
Tools you’ll need
- large skillet (12-inch)
- paper towels
- small bowl
- fork
- tongs
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- small plate
- microwave (optional)
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