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Recipes

Turn Up the Heat with These Zesty Shrimp Tacos

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at NCSU chapter.

Looking for a delicious, flavorful dinner that can be made in under 45 minutes? Well look no further because these zesty shrimp tacos are about as easy, healthy and delicious as it gets. As a bonus, they’re completely customizable and can be made gluten-free, and if you want to remove a certain seasoning or add a boat load of veggies, than by all means have at it. Filled with mango salsa and cilantro lime rice, these satisfying tacos will make you fall in love with cooking, and not just on Taco Tuesday’s.

Zesty Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Rice and Mango Salsa

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutesServings:3 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Olivia  Chadwick

    Begin by finely chopping fresh cilantro.

  2. Olivia  Chadwick

    Cut the mango into cubes, then gently invert the mango squares into a bowl.

  3. Olivia  Chadwick

    Add a small pinch of chopped cilantro to your mango salsa and mix to combine.

  4. Olivia  Chadwick

    Next, cut your avocado in half and slice into cubes, similar in size to the mango.

  5. Olivia  Chadwick

    Take your thawed shrimp and place evenly on a cutting board. It’s time to spice up this seafood!

  6. Olivia  Chadwick

    Add roughly 1/8 tsp of each spice to a small bowl and mix to combine. Gently sprinkle the spice mix on both sides of the shrimp and toss to create an even coat.

  7. Olivia  Chadwick

    Deglaze a pan with lime juice to give the shrimp a slight lime flavor.

  8. Olivia  Chadwick

    Using tongs, place the prepped shrimp into the deglazed pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a mild brown color is achieved.

  9. Olivia  Chadwick

    Now, start your instant rice. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then add 1 cup of rice. Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice absorb all the water, about 5 to 10 minutes.

  10. Olivia  Chadwick

    Add 1 tsp of chopped cilantro to the rice, followed by a few squirts of lime juice, adding more or less depending on your flavor preference.

  11. Olivia  Chadwick

    Warm the corn tortilla shells in a 250 degree oven for 3-4 minutes.

  12. Olivia  Chadwick

    To assemble the tacos, place the seasoned shrimp in the corn tortilla, followed by the chopped avocado and shredded cheese, along with any other toppings you prefer. Finish the plate with the mango salsa and cilantro lime rice.

This meal is packed with flavor from the addition of lime juice, peppery seasonings, and fresh cilantro. It’s an easy, homemade dish that will instantly wow your taste buds, creating a fiesta in your mouth just perfect for a Mexican-inspired dinner. Get creative with additional toppings like jalapeño that’ll really give these tacos a kick. 

B.S. Applied Nutrition. I am a major foodie who lives off of avocados, chocolate, and queso.