Go Back
To make Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos, you need a few key items: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish These ingredients create a balance of flavors. The shrimp provides protein, while the garlic and butter add rich taste. The lime and fresh veggies bring brightness and crunch. Using fresh shrimp gives the best taste and texture. Fresh shrimp cooks quickly and stays tender. However, frozen shrimp is a good option if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. It’s easy to do; let it sit in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Any white fish can replace shrimp if you prefer. - Swap red cabbage for green or even lettuce for a different crunch. - If you want creaminess but lack avocado, try sour cream or Greek yogurt. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while allowing for personal preferences. Start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Watch closely as it melts. We want it creamy, not brown. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mix for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Now, season 1 pound of shrimp with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. While the shrimp cooks, take another skillet or a dry pan. Warm 8 small corn tortillas over medium heat. You can also warm them over a low flame. Flip them often until they are soft and easy to fold. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side. Keep an eye on them so they do not get too crispy. Once your shrimp is ready, remove it from the heat. Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a good amount of shrimp on each warm tortilla. Add a handful of finely shredded red cabbage for some crunch. Then, layer a few slices of ripe avocado on top for creaminess. Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco. Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve your tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for more zest with every bite. To cook shrimp just right, keep an eye on the color. You want them pink and opaque. Start with medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. If you overcook them, they turn rubbery. Use fresh shrimp for the best taste but frozen works too. Just thaw them before cooking. To boost the flavor, add lime juice right before serving. The zesty lime cuts through the richness of the garlic butter. You can also add more red pepper flakes if you like it hot. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch. Try a bit of cumin for a deeper flavor. When serving, stack the tacos on a wooden board for a fun look. Add lime wedges for extra zest. Serve with a small bowl of leftover garlic butter for dipping. This gives a tasty twist with every bite. Don't forget to include extra toppings like salsa or hot sauce for variety. {{image_4}} If you love heat, you can switch up the spices. Try adding more red pepper flakes for a bolder kick. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Another good choice is to use chipotle powder. It gives a smoky flavor along with the spice. This will make your tacos stand out even more. For a meat-free twist, replace the shrimp with mushrooms or cauliflower. Both options soak up flavors well. You can sauté them in the same garlic butter mix. Add some black beans for protein and fiber. This keeps the meal filling and delicious. You can also use grilled zucchini or bell peppers as a tasty base. Toppings can change the game for your tacos. Try crunchy pickled onions for a zesty taste. Fresh mango or pineapple salsa adds sweetness and freshness. You can also use a spicy crema made of sour cream and lime juice. For a nutty flavor, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top. Each topping adds its own flair and makes the tacos unique. You can store leftover shrimp in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge for up to two days. Shrimp can dry out, so keep it sealed well. You can also add a bit of the garlic butter to keep it moist. When you are ready to eat, heat leftover shrimp gently. Use a skillet on low heat. This way, the shrimp stays tender. Stir it often to avoid overcooking. You can also microwave it, but do so in short bursts. This helps prevent rubbery shrimp. You can freeze the shrimp if you need to store it longer. Put it in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. It will last for about three months. To freeze tacos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Keep them in a freezer bag. For the best taste, eat them within two months. You can also freeze the cabbage and avocado slices separately. Just remember, avocado may brown a bit after thawing. Yes, you can! Feel free to swap shrimp for other seafood. Good options include scallops, crab, or even fish like tilapia. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. For example, fish cooks faster than shrimp, so keep an eye on it. To reduce the spice, cut back on red pepper flakes. You can also add more butter to tone down the heat. Another option is to add a creamy topping, like sour cream or yogurt. These will help balance the spice and add richness. The best way to warm corn tortillas is in a skillet. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the tortillas in for about 30 seconds. Flip them, and warm the other side for another 30 seconds. You can also warm them over a low flame directly on the stove. Just watch closely to avoid burning! Yes, these tacos are gluten-free! Corn tortillas do not contain gluten. Always check labels to make sure. If you use any other toppings, like sauces or dips, confirm that they are gluten-free too. Enjoy your meal without worry! You’ve learned about making spicy garlic butter shrimp tacos from scratch. We discussed main ingredients, tips for cooking shrimp, and how to assemble tacos. Remember, fresh ingredients enhance flavor, but frozen works too. Try different toppings to match your taste. Store leftovers properly, and don’t hesitate to explore variations, such as vegetarian options or less spicy recipes. Enjoy these tacos and get creative! Your journey in taco-making can only get better from here.

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos

Treat your taste buds to these Zesty Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos! Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with a kick of spice. Perfectly paired with crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado, these tacos will impress at any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, click through to explore the full recipe and get ready for a delicious taco night!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup finely shredded red cabbage

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt but take care not to let it brown.

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring continuously for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.

      Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Carefully add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a pink hue and become opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.

        While the shrimp is cooking, take another skillet or a dry pan and warm the corn tortillas over medium heat or directly over a low flame. Flip them occasionally until they are soft and pliable, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.

          Once the shrimp is perfectly cooked, remove it from the heat and get ready to assemble your tacos. Place a generous portion of shrimp onto each warm tortilla.

            Top each taco with a handful of finely shredded red cabbage for crunch and a few slices of fresh avocado for creaminess.

              Squeeze fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

                Serve your delicious tacos with additional lime wedges on the side to enhance the zesty flavor with each bite.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, arrange the tacos on a textured wooden board. Place lime wedges artistically around the tacos, and consider adding a small bowl of the leftover garlic butter alongside for a delectable dipping option.