If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and ready in a snap, this Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine succulent shrimp seasoned to perfection, nestled in warm tortillas with crisp cabbage, tangy red onion, and a luscious creamy sauce that ties it all together beautifully. Every bite bursts with vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and just the right balance of zest and creaminess that will make these tacos your new go-to weeknight delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial part in creating those unforgettable flavors and textures. From the spicy kick of Old Bay seasoning to the zesty brightness of fresh lime, every component comes together with ease to build layers of taste.
- Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce: The star sauce that brings smooth, rich flavor and ties the whole taco together.
- Green cabbage (2 cups, thinly sliced): Adds a fresh crunch and a bit of natural sweetness to balance the spices.
- Red onion (1/4 small): Thinly sliced and soaked in cold water to mellow its sharp bite.
- Garlic clove (1): Minced to give the shrimp a fragrant, savory boost.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, thawed and deveined): The protein powerhouse that’s tender, juicy, and cooks in minutes.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings that iconic blend of herbs and spices that elevate the shrimp flavor.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and earthiness that complement the seafood beautifully.
- Kosher salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For cooking the shrimp and adding a silky richness.
- Limes (2, cut into wedges): Their juice brightens the whole dish with a refreshing citrus punch.
- Tortillas (8): The cozy vessel that holds all those delicious ingredients together.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped for garnish, adding an herbaceous note and vibrant color.
How to Make Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce
First things first, whip up your favorite creamy shrimp taco sauce or use a trusted recipe that you love. This sauce will be the luscious, tangy finishing touch for the tacos. Once prepared, pop it in the fridge so it’s perfectly chilled and ready when you need it.
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Veggies
Thinly slice the green cabbage to add that satisfying crunch. Next, thinly slice the red onion and soak it in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes—this step is a little secret to soften the onion’s sharp edge, making it delightfully mild and sweet. Once drained, your veggies are set to layer into the tacos.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Take a moment to mince the garlic and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick beautifully. Toss the shrimp in a medium bowl with Old Bay seasoning, cumin, kosher salt, and the minced garlic until every shrimp is evenly coated with that irresistible blend.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Lay your seasoned shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a bit of a golden sear. Use tongs to flip them gently. When they’re just about ready, spritz with the juice of two lime wedges for a bright, fresh finish.
Step 5: Warm or Char the Tortillas (Optional but Amazing!)
If you want a little smoky, charred flavor, carefully place each tortilla over an open gas flame for a few seconds per side, flipping with tongs until they show slight blackening. If that’s too adventurous, warming them in a skillet works just as well and gets them soft and pliable.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Layer thinly sliced cabbage and red onion on each tortilla first, then pile on the hot, juicy shrimp. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over each taco for a little zing, drizzle generously with the creamy shrimp taco sauce, and finish with chopped cilantro for that burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and watch them disappear fast!
How to Serve Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Bright garnishes are the icing on the cake for these tacos. Cilantro leaves add a fresh, herbaceous punch while lime wedges bring an optional extra splash of citrus. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños or a dash of smoky chipotle powder jazzes things up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving with a side of Mexican-style street corn salad, a tangy black bean and corn salsa, or simply some warm tortilla chips with guacamole. These extras complement the shrimp tacos perfectly by enhancing their fresh, vibrant flavors while adding a variety of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, arrange the tacos on a colorful platter with small bowls of extra creamy sauce, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro for guests to customize their own. Alternatively, stack the tortillas and shrimp layers in small cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy vibe that’s as charming as it is practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover shrimp, veggies, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. This helps preserve the textures and flavors so you can assemble fresh tacos whenever you want without any sogginess or loss of vibrancy.
Freezing
While shrimp tacos are best fresh, if you need to freeze shrimp, do so before cooking. Raw seasoned shrimp can be frozen in a sealed bag for up to a month. Just thaw completely before cooking for the best results. Avoid freezing assembled tacos as the tortillas and fresh veggies don’t freeze well.
Reheating
Reheat cooked shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter to keep them juicy and tender. Warm tortillas separately in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain softness. Then, assemble your tacos fresh to enjoy their full glory.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp directly for this recipe?
It’s best to fully thaw frozen shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. Leaving them frozen will result in uneven texture and may make cooking tricky.
What type of tortillas works best?
Corn tortillas are traditional and offer a great flavor profile with shrimp tacos, but flour tortillas work perfectly too and are easier to warm or char without breaking.
How spicy is this Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe?
This recipe balances mild heat from the Old Bay seasoning and cumin with the creamy sauce’s coolness. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or spicy sauce to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the cabbage with another vegetable?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced lettuce, shredded carrots, or even thin bell pepper strips can replace cabbage if you want a different crunch or flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Make sure to use corn tortillas and check that your creamy sauce and seasonings are gluten-free. Naturally, shrimp and fresh veggies are gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe is a delightful blend of bold flavors and fresh textures that’s too good not to share. Whether it’s a quick family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos bring warmth and zest to the table in under 20 minutes. Give this recipe a try and let its vibrant charm win you over bite after bite.
Print
Quick Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sauce and Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Quick Shrimp Tacos recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful meal ready in just 20 minutes. Tender shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and cumin are cooked in butter and paired with crisp cabbage, tangy red onion, and a creamy shrimp taco sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Ideal for a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner with fresh, zesty flavors and minimal effort.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed and deveined (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (purchased or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Cilantro, for garnish
- 2 limes, cut into wedges (divided)
Other
- 8 tortillas
- 1 recipe Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce (prepared separately and chilled)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Make the Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce according to your favorite recipe or one provided, then set it aside in the refrigerator to chill and allow flavors to meld.
- Prep the Vegetables: Thinly slice the green cabbage and the red onion. Soak the sliced red onion in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharpness, then drain well before serving.
- Season the Shrimp: Mince the garlic finely. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a medium bowl with Old Bay seasoning, cumin, kosher salt, and the minced garlic until they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Turn with tongs as needed. Once cooked, spritz the shrimp with juice from two lime wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Char the Tortillas (Optional): For added smoky flavor, char the tortillas by holding them individually over an open gas flame on medium heat for a few seconds on each side until slightly blackened and warmed through. Alternatively, warm the tortillas in a skillet.
- Assemble the Tacos: On each tortilla, layer the sliced cabbage and drained red onion, then top with the cooked shrimp. Squeeze the juice of a lime wedge over each taco, drizzle with the creamy shrimp taco sauce, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use peeled or unpeeled shrimp based on preference; peeled shrimp are easier to eat in tacos.
- Soaking red onion in cold water reduces sharpness and enhances flavor balance.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the shrimp seasoning.
- If you don’t have a gas stove to char tortillas, a hot skillet or oven broiler works well to warm them.
- Make the creamy taco sauce ahead of time to save prep time during cooking.
- Leftover shrimp can be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
