Caribbean Shrimp Tacos Recipe

So here’s the deal: I’m about to share a shrimp taco recipe that’s going to transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched beach with every bite you take. 🍤🏖️ Grab your shades, because things are about to get deliciously bright and tangy!

I love combining vibrant Caribbean flavors with classic tacos for a truly delightful culinary experience. My Caribbean Shrimp Tacos feature succulent shrimp seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne for a perfect kick.

Served on soft corn tortillas, they are topped with fresh mango, creamy avocado, and crunchy red cabbage for a nutritious twist.

Caribbean Shrimp Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: Rich in protein and low in calories, adds savory flavor.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat, helps sauté ingredients and enhance taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and has health-boosting properties.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky sweetness with a hint of spice.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides heat and boosts metabolism.
• Mango: Sweet and juicy, adds a tropical touch and vitamin C.
• Avocado: Creamy texture, rich in healthy fats and fiber.
• Lime Juice: Brightens and balances flavors with a tangy zest.

Caribbean Shrimp Tacos Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced ripe mango
• 1/2 cup diced avocado
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

How to Make this Caribbean Shrimp Tacos Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl, blend together the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp uniformly and set aside for 10 minutes.

2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp that have been marinated and sauté them for 3–4 minutes on each side until they achieve a lovely rosy color and are thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. In a wee bowl, beat with a whisk the juice of limes and honey. To taste, add salt.

4. In a medium bowl, mix together shredded red cabbage, diced mango, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with honey-lime dressing and toss to mix well.

5. In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce (if using).

6. In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas. This should take about 30 seconds on each side, or until the tortillas are pliable.

7. To put together the tacos, put a small handful of the cabbage-mango slaw onto each tortilla.

8. Begin with some shrimp, and cut up some avocado to sprinkle on top.

9. Sour cream sauce made with lime should be drizzled over the dish.

10. If you want, you can sprinkle some more cilantro on top for an added splash of green, but serve this stuff up piping hot and right away. It’s the kind of dish that just doesn’t hold well. You want it fresh and hot and poolside if at all possible.

Caribbean Shrimp Tacos Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Large skillet
3. Small bowl (for honey-lime dressing)
4. Medium bowl (for cabbage-mango slaw)
5. Whisk
6. Small bowl (for sour cream sauce)
7. Dry skillet (for warming tortillas)
8. Cutting board
9. Knife
10. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for the Caribbean Shrimp Tacos?A: Yes, you can use shrimp that has been frozen. Be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and dry them well before you cook them.
• Q: Are corn tortillas the only option for this recipe?If you cannot find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead or in preference to them.
• Q: What’s the best way to cook the shrimp?A: In a medium-high heat, pink and opaque shrimp usually take 4-5 minutes to cook in a pan with olive oil.
• Q: How can I make the tacos spicier?A: Boost the dosage of cayenne pepper or kick up the heat even further using hot sauce in the sour cream dressing.
• Q: Is there a substitute for mango in this recipe?Ingredient substitutions: For a similar tropical flavor, you can substitute pineapple or papaya for mango.
• Q: Can I prepare any components ahead of time?A: Yes, you can ready the toppings of cabbage, mango, and avocado and the sour cream dressing a few hours in advance.

Caribbean Shrimp Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the shrimp, you can substitute with firm white fish like cod or tilapia for a different seafood option.
• If you don’t have olive oil, you can use coconut oil to give a subtle tropical flavor.
• Instead of smoked paprika, regular paprika or a mix of paprika with a pinch of chipotle powder can be used for a smoky taste.
• In place of corn tortillas, flour tortillas or lettuce wraps can be used for a different texture or a lower-carb option.
• If ripe mango isn’t available, you can use pineapple chunks or peaches for a sweet and tangy alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Magic Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 20–30 minutes instead of just 10 minutes. This extra time helps the spices penetrate deeper, enhancing the flavor profile.

2. Perfect Searing Ensure your skillet is well-heated before adding the shrimp to achieve a nice sear. This adds a delightful texture and a smoky flavor that complements the spices.

3. Cabbage Crunch For extra crunch, chill the red cabbage in ice water for a few minutes, then drain well before mixing with the mango and cilantro. This will make the slaw extra crispy.

4. Tortilla Warm-up To keep the tortillas warm while assembling the tacos, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil. This helps maintain flexibility and warmth.

5. Personalized Heat Offer hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the spice level to their preference. This ensures the balance of flavors meets individual tastes without overpowering the dish.