Sweet Chili Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, loosely chopped - Juice of 1 fresh lime - Sea salt - Freshly cracked pepper Sweet chili shrimp tacos need fresh and tasty ingredients. I love using large shrimp. They have a nice bite and cook quickly. The sweet chili sauce adds a sticky, sweet touch that I find hard to resist. Olive oil helps everything stick and adds richness. Garlic powder brings a nice flavor, while smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. For the tacos, corn tortillas are my favorite. They are soft and hold the fillings well. Avocado slices add creaminess, while red cabbage gives a crunchy texture. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of flavor, and lime juice brings brightness to each bite. Finally, seasoning is key. A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper makes all the flavors shine. This mix of ingredients makes these tacos a hit every time! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a medium bowl. Add the shrimp and the marinade ingredients. These include sweet chili sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper. Mix well until the shrimp are coated. Set the bowl aside and let the shrimp sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all those tasty flavors. While the shrimp marinates, preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sear the shrimp nicely. After a few minutes, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are done when they turn opaque and golden brown. Don’t crowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed for even cooking. Next, it's time to warm the corn tortillas. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. If you prefer the microwave, warm them for about 30 seconds until they are soft and pliable. Now comes the fun part! Grab a warm tortilla and place a few shrimp on top. Add slices of creamy avocado and a handful of finely shredded red cabbage. Then, sprinkle some fresh cilantro for a nice aroma. To finish, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos. This adds a burst of zest that enhances all the flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant tastes and textures! - Preheat your skillet until it is hot. This helps get a nice sear on the shrimp. - Cook the shrimp in a single layer. If you overcrowd the skillet, they will steam instead of sear. - Serve tacos on a colorful platter. This makes the dish pop and feel festive. - Add lime wedges and extra cilantro on the side. This adds color and freshness to the dish. - Try adding toppings like sliced jalapeños for heat or mango for sweetness. - Pair with extra sweet chili sauce or a tangy yogurt sauce for added flavor. Pro Tips Marinating Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to fully absorb the flavors of the sweet chili sauce and spices. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook shrimp until they are just opaque and have a slight golden color. Overcooking can make them rubbery. Tortilla Warping: Warm corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave to enhance their flavor and make them pliable, ensuring a better taco experience. Fresh Garnishes: Always top your tacos with fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice for a burst of flavor that complements the shrimp. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the protein in these tacos. Chicken or tofu works great. Both options soak up flavors well and taste delicious. If you have a preference for tortillas, you can choose flour or lettuce wraps instead of corn. This gives you a fun twist on the classic taco. Want some heat? Add chili flakes for a spicy kick. It gives the shrimp a nice zing. For a sweeter taco, try adding tropical fruits. Mangos or pineapples add a fresh taste that complements the shrimp. They also add color, making your dish pop. You can serve these shrimp in tacos or in bowls. Tacos are fun to hold and eat. Bowls let you add more toppings and grains. Try incorporating rice or quinoa as a base. This makes your meal heartier and satisfying. To store cooked shrimp, place them in an airtight container. Add a layer of foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. You can store the shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days. For toppings like avocado and cabbage, store them separately. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. For tortillas, wrap them in a dry paper towel. Place them in a zip-top bag to keep them from drying out. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the shrimp in a skillet. Use low heat to avoid overcooking. Stir them gently for about 2-3 minutes. For tortillas, warm them in a skillet or microwave. Heat each tortilla for about 20 seconds. This keeps them soft and pliable. Avoid high heat to maintain the nice texture. To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead. Chop the cabbage and slice the avocado the day before. Marinate shrimp in advance and store it in the fridge. You can assemble your tacos in just a few minutes during the week. This makes for a quick and easy meal option when you're busy. Enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss! You can pair these tacos with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Mexican rice: A flavorful base that complements shrimp well. - Black beans: They add protein and fiber to your meal. - Corn salad: A fresh, sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp. - Guacamole: Creamy avocado enhances the taco flavors. - Chips and salsa: A fun appetizer for your gathering. To avoid rubbery shrimp, follow these tips: - Don’t overcook: Cook shrimp until just opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. - Preheat the skillet: Make sure it's hot to sear the shrimp quickly. - Use the right size: Large shrimp cook evenly and stay tender. - Marinate well: Let shrimp soak in the marinade for 15 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Here’s how: - Thaw properly: Place shrimp in the fridge overnight or run under cold water. - Pat dry: Remove excess moisture before marinating for better flavor. - Cook from thawed: This ensures even cooking and nice texture. Using frozen shrimp is convenient and saves time, making your meal easy! You’ve learned how to make sweet chili shrimp tacos. We covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for perfect tacos. Remember to marinate shrimp for flavor and avoid overcrowding the pan. Feel free to swap ingredients and customize the recipe to fit your taste. Whether you're serving them in a taco or a bowl, enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Get ready to impress your family or friends with these tasty bites. Happy cooking!$

Sweet Chili Shrimp Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with marinated shrimp, avocado, and fresh vegetables, topped with a zesty lime squeeze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
8 small corn tortillas
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, loosely chopped
1 Juice of fresh lime
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the sweet chili sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Toss the shrimp until they are thoroughly coated in the marinade and let them sit to absorb the flavors for about 15 minutes.
While the shrimp is marinating, place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Allow it to become hot enough to create a sear without burning the shrimp.
After the skillet is preheated, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and have a nice golden color. Take care not to overcrowd the skillet; cook them in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
While the shrimp are sizzling away, take another skillet or your microwave to warm the corn tortillas. In the skillet, gently heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, or if using the microwave, heat them for about 30 seconds until they become pliable and warm.
To assemble each taco, place several pieces of shrimp on top of a warm tortilla. Follow with slices of creamy avocado, a generous handful of the finely shredded red cabbage, and a scatter of fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch.
Finish by squeezing the juice of the fresh lime over the top of the filled tacos, enhancing the flavors with a burst of zest.
Serve the tacos immediately while they are warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures together!

Notes

Serve the tacos on a colorful platter, garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro for an inviting presentation!

Keyword avocado, chili, easy, shrimp, tacos