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Garlicky Shrimp Tacos Recipe

4.9 from 133 reviews

These Garlicky Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring succulent seared shrimp coated in a garlicky paprika sauce. Served on warm corn tortillas with creamy lime sour cream, fresh avocado, crunchy radishes, zesty pico de gallo, and fragrant cilantro, they deliver a perfect balance of textures and bold southwestern flavors, ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Garlic Sauce

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (about 2 dozen)
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste

Lime Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving
  • Salt, to taste

For Serving

  • Warm corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced radishes
  • Pico de gallo
  • Cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lime Crema: In a small bowl, combine sour cream and lime juice, then season with salt to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season half of the shrimp with salt and add them to the hot skillet. Sear for 1 minute on each side until slightly pink and just cooked, then transfer to a plate. Repeat this process with another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining shrimp.
  3. Make the Garlic Paprika Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet along with minced garlic and smoked paprika. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Coat the Shrimp: Return the seared shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Cook while turning and basting the shrimp in the garlic paprika oil for about 2 minutes, or until opaque and well coated with the sauce.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Place a few shrimp in the center of each warm corn tortilla. Drizzle some of the garlicky oil over the shrimp. Top each taco with sliced avocado, radishes, pico de gallo, cilantro leaves, and a generous dollop of lime crema. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic oil sauce.
  • Use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
  • Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined for ease of eating.
  • Pico de gallo can be store-bought or homemade with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice.
  • To save time, the lime crema can be made and refrigerated up to a day ahead.

Keywords: shrimp tacos, garlic shrimp, Mexican taco recipe, easy shrimp dinner, lime crema, pico de gallo tacos