If you’re craving something fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, the Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines perfectly seasoned shrimp with a crisp, tangy slaw, wrapped in warm tortillas, creating an irresistible bite every time. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, these tacos bring a burst of Baja-inspired sunshine to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of fresh and savory ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender shrimp to the vibrant slaw, all working together to excite your taste buds with every mouthful.
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded: Adds crunch and a fresh, mild flavor that brightens the tacos.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings a pop of herbal freshness that’s essential for true Baja flair.
- ½ cup red onion, diced: Offers a slight sharpness and vibrant color contrast.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the slaw and shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Provides a tangy kick that ties the slaw’s flavors together.
- 1 pound small shrimp (peeled, deveined, and dried with paper towel): The star protein, tender and flavorful when seasoned and cooked just right.
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning: Infuses the shrimp with a bold, savory blend classic to seafood dishes.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the shrimp seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the shrimp with a subtle, aromatic garlic note.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For cooking shrimp and warming tortillas with a silky finish.
- 8 corn or flour tortillas (4-inch, street taco size): The perfect handheld base, soft with a bit of char for texture.
- Sour cream: A creamy, cooling topping to balance the spices and lime.
- Sliced avocado or guacamole: Adds smoothness and richness in every bite.
- Pico de gallo: Fresh, vibrant salsa that complements the shrimp’s spices.
- Crumbled queso fresco: Mild, crumbly cheese to add a subtle savory finish.
- Hot sauce: For those who want to turn up the heat and excitement.
How to Make Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw
Start by combining the shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, salt, and lime juice in a medium-sized bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly so each shred and slice is coated with the zingy lime juice and just the right amount of salt. This simple slaw adds the perfect crunch and brightness to balance the warm, spiced shrimp later on.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Next, place your cleaned shrimp into a separate bowl. Sprinkle with the Old Bay seasoning, cumin, and garlic powder. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure each piece gets an even dusting of these flavorful spices. This step is crucial as it infuses every bite with the Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe’s signature bold taste.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done once they turn a light pink and are opaque throughout. Make sure not to overcook them because shrimp can quickly turn rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside while you prepare the tortillas.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Using the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla into the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds on each side until it’s warm, pliable, and slightly crispy around the edges. Continue with the rest of the tortillas, keeping them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Now for the fun part: building your tacos! Place about 6 to 10 cooked shrimp inside each tortilla. Top generously with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the tangy slaw you prepared earlier. This layering of textures and flavors is what makes this Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe such a delightful meal.
Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Finish off your tacos with any toppings you love. Whether you prefer a dollop of sour cream, creamy sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, a sprinkling of crumbled queso fresco, or a splash of hot sauce, these extras personalize the flavor journey. Serve immediately to make sure every bite is fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your tacos with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, lime wedges for an extra squeeze of brightness, and a sprinkle of queso fresco to introduce a subtle creaminess. These simple touches take the experience from great to unforgettable and keep your Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe feeling authentic.
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with classic sides such as Mexican street corn, black beans, or a zesty rice to round out your meal. These sides offer complementary textures and flavors that soak up any extra salsa or sauces, leaving your palate completely satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, lay out your ingredients buffet-style so friends and family can build their own Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe just the way they like it. Alternatively, serve tacos on vibrant, rustic plates with colorful napkins and a chilled margarita to elevate the coastal vibe of the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp stay fresh for up to 2 days, while the slaw maintains its crispness for up to 3 days. This helps prevent sogginess and allows you to enjoy this tasty dish later without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
While shrimp are best fresh for the Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe, you can freeze uncooked seasoned shrimp in a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw them completely before cooking to preserve the texture and flavor. Avoid freezing assembled tacos or the slaw, as they do not freeze well.
Reheating
Reheat cooked shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil, just enough to warm through without overcooking. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to restore softness. Add fresh slaw and toppings after reheating for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the shrimp.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully, but traditional street taco-sized (4-inch) tortillas give an authentic feel and are easier to handle when loaded with shrimp and toppings.
How spicy is this recipe?
The seasoning is flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce or incorporating fresh jalapeño into your toppings.
Can I substitute the Old Bay seasoning?
Yes! If you don’t have Old Bay, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne makes a great homemade alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Preparing the shrimp and slaw ahead of time means you can quickly assemble tacos on the day you want to enjoy them. Just be sure to warm tortillas fresh for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves bright, fresh flavors paired with tender seafood and crunchy slaw. It’s straightforward to make, yet full of personality and perfect for sharing. Give it a try and watch how quickly these tacos become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Baja Shrimp Tacos offer a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic street tacos, featuring tender shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and cumin, served with a refreshing cabbage slaw and topped with creamy avocado, queso fresco, and spicy hot sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that delivers a taste of coastal Baja California.
Ingredients
Slaw
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Shrimp
- 1 pound small shrimp (peeled, deveined, and dried with paper towel)
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Other
- 8 corn or flour tortillas (4-inch, street taco size)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced avocado or guacamole, for serving
- Pico de gallo, for serving
- Crumbled queso fresco, for serving
- Hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Slaw: In a medium-sized bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, salt, and lime juice. Toss everything together until well coated and set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the shrimp and tortillas.
- Season the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, cumin, and garlic powder. Toss gently to evenly coat all the shrimp with the spices, ensuring full flavor infusion.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn light pink and are fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to maintain a tender texture. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Warm the Tortillas: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the oil and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, until softened and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Assemble the Tacos: Arrange 6-10 cooked shrimp onto each warm tortilla. Top each with 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared cabbage slaw for a fresh crunch.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Garnish tacos with your favorite optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, or a dash of hot sauce to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures.
Notes
- To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference; slightly crisped tortillas add nice texture contrast.
- Customize your taco toppings to suit your taste—extra lime juice or hot sauce can add brightness and heat.
- For a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne to the shrimp seasoning mix.
- Leftover slaw can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and used in other dishes or as a side.
