Crunchy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Avocado Salsa
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds? Dive into the world of Crunchy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos, where succulent shrimp meets zesty flavors and a delightful crunch. Paired with a vibrant Fresh Avocado Salsa, this dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Tacos:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Fresh Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
-
Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and adds a delightful tang.
-
Coat the Shrimp: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Take each marinated shrimp and coat it evenly in the mixture. This will give you that irresistible crunch!
-
Fry the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated shrimp in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Making the Fresh Avocado Salsa
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
-
Dress the Salsa: Squeeze lime juice over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocados, ensuring they remain chunky.
Assembling the Tacos
-
Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until warm and pliable.
-
Build the Tacos: Place a few crunchy shrimp onto each tortilla and top generously with fresh avocado salsa.
-
Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch.
Cooking Tips
-
Ingredient Selection: Opt for fresh shrimp to elevate the flavor of your tacos. If frozen shrimp is your only option, ensure they are thawed properly before marinating.
-
Perfecting Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, double coat the shrimp by dipping them back into the marinade before coating them in the flour mixture again.
-
Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas provide a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture. Choose based on your preference or mix them for variety.
-
Serving Suggestions: Serve these tacos with lime wedges on the side for an additional zesty kick. Pair with a refreshing drink like a classic margarita or a citrus-infused iced tea.
Variations and Substitutions
-
For a Healthier Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour, and use an air fryer for cooking the shrimp.
-
Vegetarian Alternative: Consider using grilled zucchini or cauliflower in place of shrimp for a delightful veggie taco.
-
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño to suit your heat tolerance.
Conclusion
Crunchy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Avocado Salsa is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy and flavor to your plate. The combination of crispy shrimp and creamy avocado salsa creates a satisfying contrast that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make this recipe your own. Explore other recipes on our site for more culinary inspiration, and remember, great cooking is all about creativity and passion. Happy cooking!
