Ingredients
Shrimp: one pound raw medium or large, the star of the dish offering tender and juicy bites
Garlic clove: pressed or minced, brings a punch of aromatic flavor to the shrimp
Sea salt: half teaspoon, enhances all the other seasonings
Black pepper: quarter teaspoon, adds a subtle heat
Ground cumin: quarter teaspoon, gives a warm earthiness that complements the shrimp
Cayenne pepper: quarter teaspoon, provides a gentle kick, adjust based on your spice preference
Olive oil: one tablespoon, for sautéing shrimp, choose extra virgin for best flavor
White corn tortillas: eight small (six inch), traditional and lightly toasted for that authentic Mexican texture
Purple cabbage: half small, shredded, for crisp crunch and color contrast
Large avocado: one, peeled and diced, adds creaminess and cool balance
Red onion: half, diced, sharp bite to complement the creamy avocado
Cotija cheese: four ounces, grated, salty and crumbly, an essential topping for an authentic touch
Cilantro: quarter bunch, coarsely chopped, fresh herbaceous flavor brightens the tacos
Lime juice: one and a half tablespoons freshly squeezed, adds zesty brightness
Sour cream: one third cup, creamy base for the sauce
Mayonnaise: one third cup, adds richness to the sauce
Garlic powder: three quarters teaspoon, deepens the flavor in the sauce
Sriracha sauce: three quarters teaspoon or to taste, adds gentle heat and sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce:
Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest. You can transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling later.
Prep the Toppings:
Thinly slice the purple cabbage for crisp texture. Dice the avocado carefully to keep pieces intact and creamy. Finely dice the red onion to add a sharp note. Coarsely chop cilantro for a fresh herbal punch. Arrange all in separate bowls for easy access when assembling tacos.
Season the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry after thawing to ensure they sauté properly. Place in a medium bowl and add garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne. Toss gently to coat every shrimp evenly with the seasoning.
Cook the Shrimp:
