Shrimp Tacos
Why this recipe works
- Fast cooking: Prawns cook in minutes, making this a practical taco filling for a quick lunch or weeknight meal.
- Bright balance: Lime zest and juice cut through the richness of avocado and sour cream while lifting the cumin and garlic.
- Fresh contrast: Crisp cabbage, soft tortillas, creamy avocado and just-cooked prawns give each taco a lively mix of textures.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the prawns juicy: Cook the prawns only until pink and opaque; taking them off the heat promptly helps avoid a rubbery texture.
- Assemble just before serving: Fill the tortillas at the last moment so the cabbage stays crisp and the tortillas remain soft rather than damp.
Make-ahead tips
- Prep the toppings ahead: The cabbage can be shredded and the coriander chopped in advance; slice the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Store components separately: Keep cooked prawns and cabbage in separate airtight containers, then reheat the prawns and assemble with fresh toppings.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm avocado: Use an avocado that is ripe but still firm enough to slice cleanly and hold its shape in the tacos.
- Use fresh lime: Fresh lime provides both zest and juice, giving the prawns a cleaner, brighter flavour than bottled juice.
Serving ideas
- Serve with simple sides: Pair with rice, black beans or a crisp salad to turn the tacos into a fuller meal.
- Finish with extra freshness: Add extra coriander or a final squeeze of lime at the table for a brighter finish.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Zest the lime, then juice it. Finely grate the garlic. In a bowl, mix the lime zest and half the lime juice with the garlic and ground cumin.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and toss to coat. Leave to sit while you prep the toppings.
- Thinly shred the white cabbage. Slice the avocado, and roughly chop the fresh coriander.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the sunflower oil. Add the prawns in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Squeeze over the remaining lime juice and take off the heat.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan for about 20 to 30 seconds per side until pliable, or warm them directly over a low flame if you have a gas hob. Keep them stacked so they stay warm.
- Fill each tortilla with cabbage, prawns and avocado. Finish with fresh coriander and a spoonful of sour cream. Serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best sear, make sure the pan is properly hot before the prawns go in, and avoid overcrowding so they fry rather than steam.
- If you are serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the prawns are cooked until fully opaque and piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace sour cream with greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier finish.
- Replace sunflower oil with olive oil for a fruitier flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store the cooked prawns and shredded cabbage separately in airtight containers. Reheat the prawns in a hot frying pan for 1 to 2 minutes until piping hot, then assemble with fresh avocado, coriander and sour cream just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 25min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
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Allergens:
Crustaceans Milk
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