Go Back
Here’s what you will need to make these tasty lemon garlic shrimp tacos: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or red) - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving These ingredients create bright and bold flavors. The shrimp soak up the garlic and lemon, making them juicy and fresh. The tortillas hold everything together, while the cabbage adds crunch. The avocado and cilantro bring extra creaminess and color. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy the process of cooking and let your kitchen fill with these wonderful aromas! Marinating the shrimp Start by placing the shrimp in a large bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well. This helps the shrimp soak up the flavors. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes. This step makes a big difference. Preparing the tortillas While the shrimp marinates, it's time to warm the tortillas. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, add one tortilla at a time. Warm each side for about 30 seconds. They should become soft and easy to fold. Keep them covered with a clean cloth to stay warm. Add the marinated shrimp to the same skillet. Cook them in a single layer. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. This shows they are cooked perfectly. Watch closely to avoid overcooking them. To assemble the tacos, grab a warm tortilla. Place a few pieces of shrimp in the center. Next, add a handful of shredded cabbage. Then, add a few slices of avocado. Top it off with fresh cilantro leaves. For extra zest, squeeze a lime wedge over the tacos before serving. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp just right, start by avoiding overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. To prevent this, keep an eye on the time. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp. Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This step makes a big difference in taste. When it comes to garnishes, think outside the box. Besides cilantro, try adding diced tomatoes or pickled onions. These toppings can give your tacos a fresh twist. You can also use crumbled feta or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for creaminess. Each option adds a new layer of flavor. Enhancements can take your tacos to the next level. A drizzle of chipotle sauce can add a smoky kick. You might like a squeeze of fresh lime juice too. For sides, consider serving with a simple corn salad or black beans. These pair well with the shrimp and add color to your plate. For the full recipe, refer back to the complete guide on Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free option, use lettuce wraps. You can take large leaves of romaine or butter lettuce. They work great as a taco shell. Just fill the leaves with shrimp, cabbage, and avocado. This keeps the dish light and fresh. For those who love heat, add extra spices or peppers. You can mix in diced jalapeños or serranos. Increase the cayenne pepper to bring up the spice level. The heat will blend well with the lemon and garlic. Adjust it to fit your taste buds. If you want a vegan version, substitute shrimp with other proteins. Try jackfruit or tofu for a similar texture. You can also use chickpeas for added protein. Marinate them with the same lemon and garlic mix. This way, you keep the vibrant flavors while making it plant-based. To keep your leftover tacos fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the tacos in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. They will stay good for up to two days. If you want to keep the shrimp separate from the tortillas, that works too. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy. To reheat the shrimp, I recommend using a skillet. This method helps retain the shrimp's texture. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and then add the shrimp. Cook for about two minutes, just until they warm up. Avoid heating them too long, as they can become rubbery. If you have leftover tacos, you can reheat the shrimp separately and then assemble the tacos again. If you want to freeze leftovers, start by cooling the shrimp first. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them using the method I shared above. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos even after a day or two! For the full recipe, check back to the beginning. You should marinate the shrimp for about 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in well. If you marinate too long, the shrimp may become tough. The lemon juice starts cooking the shrimp, so a short time works best. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 20 minutes. After they thaw, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better. These tacos pair well with several sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or black beans. You can also add a side of rice for a fuller meal. Corn on the cob is another great option. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time. Store the marinated shrimp in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cooked shrimp can also last in the fridge for three days. Just reheat before serving. For best results, keep toppings separate until you are ready to eat. In this post, you learned how to make tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos. We covered the key ingredients, like shrimp, garlic, and tortillas. I shared simple steps for marinating shrimp and cooking them just right. You also got handy tips for storing leftovers and variations, such as gluten-free options. Tacos are fun and easy to customize, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious tacos with family and friends!

- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Satisfy your cravings with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos! This easy recipe combines juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, these tacos are sure to impress! Click through for the full recipe and transform your dinner with this flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage (green or red)

1 avocado, sliced

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly and marinate for about 15 minutes.

    While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the tortillas. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the corn tortillas one at a time, warming each for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable. Set aside in a clean cloth to keep warm.

      In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.

        To assemble the tacos, take a warm tortilla and add a few pieces of shrimp to the center. Top with shredded cabbage, a few slices of avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves.

          Squeeze a lime wedge over the tacos for added flavor before serving.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4