Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with fried shrimp tacos! There’s just something so magical about the crunch of golden-brown shrimp paired with fresh, zesty toppings that gets me every time. I remember the first time I bit into one at a little beach shack, and I was hooked! The crispy shrimp nestled in warm corn tortillas, topped with creamy avocado and a splash of salsa—it was a flavor explosion! This recipe for fried shrimp tacos captures all that joy and brings it right into your kitchen. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch, and trust me, the aroma of frying shrimp will have everyone flocking to the table. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, fun meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, packed
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa
How to Prepare Fried Shrimp Tacos
Making fried shrimp tacos at home is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Follow along, and soon you’ll have a plate full of crispy goodness that everyone will rave about.
Step 1: Preheat the Oil
First things first, we need that oil hot and ready! Grab a deep pan and fill it with enough oil to submerge the shrimp (about 2-3 inches deep works well). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Now, this is crucial: the right temperature ensures that our shrimp fry up beautifully crispy instead of turning soggy. You can use a thermometer for accuracy, or drop a small piece of bread in the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden in about 30 seconds, you’re good to go!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended. This mixture is where the shrimp will get its crunchy coating! Make sure it’s well mixed so every shrimp gets that flavorful crust. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk and beat the eggs together. This wet mix is going to help the flour coating stick perfectly to our shrimp.
Step 3: Frying the Shrimp
Alright, let’s fry! Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk and egg mixture first, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a nice even covering. Now, carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed). Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Step 4: Assembling the Tacos
While the shrimp are frying, warm up your corn tortillas in a separate pan for about 30 seconds on each side. This step makes them soft and pliable! Now, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Place a couple of crispy shrimp on each tortilla, then top with a generous handful of shredded cabbage, slices of creamy avocado, and a dollop of salsa. You can also squeeze a little lime juice on top for an extra zing! And voila, your fried shrimp tacos are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Deliciously crispy shrimp that pack a flavor punch.
- Customizable toppings to suit every taste—add more veggies or your favorite sauces!
- Perfect for casual dinners or entertaining friends and family.
- Brings a taste of the beach right to your kitchen, making every bite a mini vacation.
Tips for Success
To ensure your fried shrimp tacos are nothing short of amazing, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your oil is at the right temperature; if it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb more oil and become greasy. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice—just let it sit for about 5 minutes. For a little twist, try adding some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick! When serving, don’t forget to offer extra toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a spicy crema. Trust me, these little additions can elevate your tacos to the next level!
Nutritional Information
These fried shrimp tacos are not just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients! Each serving (which is about 2 tacos) contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, and 20g of protein. You’ll also get about 50g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, feel free to customize and enjoy without the guilt—after all, it’s all about balance when it comes to enjoying your favorite dishes!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using to ensure a crispy coating.
What can I substitute for buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It works like a charm!
Can I make these shrimp tacos spicy? You bet! Just add some cayenne pepper to your flour mixture or top your tacos with a spicy salsa for that extra kick!
How can I make these tacos healthier? You can grill the shrimp instead of frying them for a lighter option. They’ll still be tasty and packed with flavor!
What toppings do you recommend? I love using shredded cabbage, avocado, and salsa, but you can get creative! Try adding fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of lime crema for a delicious twist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover fried shrimp tacos (though I doubt they’ll last long!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that crispy goodness. Wrap each taco tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat the shrimp in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes until they’re warmed through, but be careful not to overcook them! This way, you’ll get that delightful crunch back. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may make the tacos soggy. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
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Fried shrimp tacos that will make you crave more each bite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Fried shrimp tacos with fresh toppings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip shrimp in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Fry shrimp in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Warm corn tortillas in a separate pan.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp, cabbage, avocado, and salsa.
Notes
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Customize toppings as desired.
- Can use grilled shrimp for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: fried shrimp tacos, shrimp tacos, tacos, seafood tacos
