Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with fried shrimp tacos! There’s something magical about biting into a crispy taco filled with juicy shrimp, fresh toppings, and a bit of zesty salsa. I remember the first time I made these at home; it was a last-minute dinner decision, and wow, did I hit the jackpot! They’re incredibly quick to whip up, making them a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and satisfying. Trust me, once you try these fried shrimp tacos, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Fried Shrimp Tacos
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (this will give the shrimp a nice crispy coating)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (this adds a lovely color and smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those delicious flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick!)
- 1 cup buttermilk (this helps the coating stick and keeps the shrimp juicy)
- 1 cup cornmeal (for that perfect crunch on the outside)
- 8 small corn tortillas (the foundation of our tacos!)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (this adds a nice crunch and freshness)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for a creamy, dreamy topping)
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite brand or make your own for extra flavor!)
- Oil for frying (go for something with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil)
How to Prepare Fried Shrimp Tacos
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering fried shrimp tacos! I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be feasting in no time!
Preparing the Shrimp
First things first, let’s get those shrimp prepped! Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean them up, and then pat them dry with some paper towels. This step is super important because it helps the coating stick better. Plus, who wants watery shrimp in their tacos, right? Once they’re nice and dry, you’re ready for the next step!
Breading the Shrimp
Alright, let’s make that crispy coating! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it up until it’s well mixed. Now, here’s the fun part! Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any clumps; we want even coverage for that perfect crunch! After that, roll the shrimp in cornmeal to give it that extra crunch. Oh, it’s gonna be good!
Frying the Shrimp
Time to fry! In a frying pan, heat up about an inch of oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a little drop of batter sizzles when added. Carefully add the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—this keeps them crispy! Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Oops, don’t walk away! Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone pretty quickly. Once they’re crispy, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Warming the Tortillas
While the shrimp are frying, let’s warm those tortillas! You can do this by placing them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they’ll get tough!
Assembling the Tacos
Now for the best part—assembling those tacos! Take a warm tortilla and layer in a few crispy shrimp, then top it off with some shredded cabbage for crunch, a few slices of creamy avocado, and a generous spoonful of salsa. I like to arrange them in this order to keep everything balanced and flavorful. And voilà! Your delicious fried shrimp tacos are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Easy to follow steps, perfect for beginner cooks.
- Fresh ingredients that make every bite burst with flavor.
- Customizable toppings to suit your taste—add cheese, lime, or your favorite hot sauce!
- Crispy, crunchy shrimp that are totally addictive.
- Perfect for family dinners, parties, or a fun taco night with friends.
- Gluten-free option if you use corn tortillas and ensure your ingredients are safe!
Tips for Success
To make sure your fried shrimp tacos turn out perfectly every single time, here are some of my favorite tips that I always keep in mind:
- Get the Oil Temperature Just Right: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop in a bit of batter but not so hot that it smokes. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). If you’re unsure, you can test it with a small piece of shrimp; if it bubbles up and fries nicely, you’re good to go!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: It’s tempting to fry a lot at once, but trust me, this can lead to soggy shrimp. Fry in batches, giving each piece enough space to cook evenly. This helps keep that crispy texture we all love!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to switch up the spices in the flour mixture. Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or some lime zest for a refreshing twist. Get creative and make it your own!
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp make all the difference in flavor. If you can, buy them from a local fish market or trusted grocery store. And if you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp work too—just be sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry!
- Don’t Skip the Paper Towels: After frying, place your shrimp on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. This step is key to keeping them crispy and avoiding that greasy feel. Nobody wants a soggy taco!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the best fried shrimp tacos ever. Happy cooking!
Common Questions About Fried Shrimp Tacos
Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions you might have about making these fried shrimp tacos! I know how important it is to feel confident in the kitchen, so here are some helpful answers to get you on your way.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before starting. A quick rinse under cold water and then patting them dry will do the trick. Thawed shrimp can be just as delicious as fresh!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect stand-in!
How do I prevent the shrimp from getting soggy?
The key is to ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. If the oil isn’t hot, the shrimp will soak up the oil and become soggy instead of crispy. Also, remember to place them on paper towels after frying to absorb any excess oil!
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
While it’s best to eat these fried shrimp tacos fresh, you can prep the shrimp ahead of time. Just bread them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. They’ll taste just as amazing!
What toppings work best with fried shrimp tacos?
Oh, the options are endless! I love adding shredded cabbage for crunch, creamy avocado slices, and a good dollop of salsa. You can also throw on some chopped cilantro, jalapeños for heat, or even a squeeze of lime for a bright finish. Customize to your heart’s content!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. But to give you a general idea, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (which is about 2 tacos):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, if you’re looking for more precise values, it’s always a good idea to calculate them based on the specific brands and quantities you use in your cooking. Happy eating!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your fried shrimp tacos all ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create the ultimate meal experience! Trust me, it’s all about those perfect pairings that elevate your taco night to a whole new level.
First up, you can’t go wrong with a zesty corn salad. Just toss together some fresh corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. It adds a burst of flavor and freshness that perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.
If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, consider pairing your tacos with some refried beans or a side of Mexican rice. Both are hearty options that round out the meal nicely and provide that comforting touch.
And let’s not forget about drinks! A classic Margarita or a cool Mexican beer pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tacos. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a refreshing agua fresca made from fresh fruits like watermelon or hibiscus is a fantastic choice!
For a sweet ending, you might want to whip up a batch of churros or serve some fresh fruit with a drizzle of lime juice for a light and refreshing dessert. It’s the perfect way to finish off a delicious meal!
With these sides and drinks, your fried shrimp tacos will be the star of the show. Get ready for a fun and flavorful feast that everyone will enjoy!
Fried Shrimp Tacos That Will Thrill Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious fried shrimp tacos with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Next, roll the shrimp in cornmeal until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove shrimp and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas and topping with cabbage, avocado, and salsa.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your tacos!
Notes
- Make sure oil is hot before adding shrimp to avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
- Feel free to add other toppings like cheese or lime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: fried shrimp tacos, shrimp recipes, easy tacos
