15-Minute Skillet Shrimp Tacos
Plump, spiced skillet shrimp seared in chili lime butter and folded into warm corn tortillas with crisp cabbage slaw in 12 minutes.
skillet Timer
Set for 6 mins @ Medium-High (375°F / 190°C) (Flip at 3m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Toss 1 lb peeled raw shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
Add 1 tbsp butter to hot skillet; sear shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and curled into 'C' shapes.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over skillet and remove from heat.
Fold into warm tortillas and top with shredded cabbage and crema.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Thoroughly pat 1 lb peeled, deveined raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or chili powder, cumin, garlic powder mix), and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
Shrimp holds excess water from thawing; drying ensures a rapid sear rather than boiling in liquid.
Melt 1 tbsp butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until foaming. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 2 minutes without moving until bottoms turn pink.
Butter browns slightly, giving the shrimp sweet nutty caramelized edges.
Flip shrimp with tongs and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until opaque throughout and curled into loose 'C' shapes. Squeeze half a fresh lime across the skillet and pull from heat immediately.
Remember: 'C' shaped shrimp are cooked and tender; tightly curled 'O' shaped shrimp are overcooked and rubbery.
Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Load 3 to 4 hot shrimp into each tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of sour cream or chipotle crema.
Warm corn tortillas on direct dry heat so they become pliable and don't tear when folded.
Shrimp is the fastest whole protein on earth — it cooks in 4 minutes flat. Keep a bag of peeled frozen raw shrimp in the freezer; thaw under cold tap water in 5 minutes for instant weeknight tacos.
Serve shrimp in soft flour tortillas with shredded mild cheddar cheese and mild salsa.
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Black beans
- Guacamole
Shrimp tacos are best eaten fresh. Reheat shrimp in skillet for 60 seconds over medium heat.