Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos
Tacos aren’t reserved for just Tuesdays anymore! These flavorful garlic lime shrimp tacos are so easy to prepare, making them an ideal dinner for any weeknight. This recipe was inspired by my dads favorite way to cook white fish. I adapted his garlic lime method to use shrimp and turn the flavors into a taco.
Prep all ingredients ahead of time because the shrimp only takes 4 minutes to cook. This recipe only takes one pan and one cutting board. After toasting garlic, add shrimp and lime juice to the hot skillet. Cook for one minute, flip and add tomatoes. After the mixture simmers for three more minutes, tacos are ready to serve! I recommend serving these tacos along with sliced avocado and my slow cooker refried beans recipe.
Kitchen Tip!
Does peeling and preparing garlic drive you up the wall? Let me help you make things a little easier! Soak your garlic cloves in warm water for about 5 minutes before peeling. This will reduce the amount of stickiness they release that causes the skins to stick all over your fingers and make them easier to peel. Secondly I could not recommend a garlic press more. It is a kitchen tool that I use almost daily and really reduces recipe prep time with no garlic mincing involved! I have an Oxo brand which is my personal favorite because it cleans so easily with a feature that clears the holes the garlic is pressed through.
Health Benefit!
Garlic has been used in traditional medicine for many years as a functional food. Research has been conducted on the benefits of garlic for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cholesterol, blood sugars, certain cancers, bone health, and supporting a strong immune system.[1] Studies are limited in design and few use culinary garlic, however this allium can add nutrients, and phytochemicals to your meals! So add garlic to your meals often for great flavor and the potential for some health benefits!
Garlic Lime Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 large limes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons high heat cooking oil such as grape seed
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Pinch salt
- Corn or corn, flour blend tortillas
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp in a colander and set aside to drain.
- Slice grape tomatoes in half and place in a small bowl. Mince garlic and set aside. Squeeze limes until you get 1/3 cup juice.
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, juice of 1/2 lime, and 1 minced garlic clove and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Thinly slice or shred cabbage, place in a bowl for serving.
- Chop cilantro.
- Heat oil in a skilled over medium heat.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves once oil is hot. Cook for about two minutes, watching carefully and stirring occasionally until garlic is golden and toasted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add shrimp and lime juice to the skillet. Arrange so that shrimp are all in one layer. Cook for one minute, then flip shrimp over and add tomatoes to the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover with lid and let simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Sprinkle the top with cayenne pepper, cilantro, and toasted garlic.
- Serve by filling tortillas with shrimp tomato mixture, then top with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of garlic lime mayonnaise.
- These tacos are really good served with sliced avocado and my crockpot refried beans!
References:
Streit E. The Disease-Protective Properties of Garlic. Today’s Dietitian. February 2020; 22(2):46.
