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Crispy Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Lime Crema

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These crispy firecracker shrimp tacos feature a perfectly seasoned, crunchy shrimp coating paired with a spicy firecracker sauce and a cool, tangy lime crema, all wrapped in warm tortillas for a delicious and easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil preferred)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup sliced radishes
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir in the buttermilk.
  4. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour to double dredge. Place coated shrimp on a plate.
  5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or cast iron skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip. Drain on paper towels.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make the firecracker sauce.
  8. Mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, lime zest, salt, and cilantro to prepare the zesty lime crema.
  9. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or oven and keep covered to stay pliable.
  10. Assemble tacos by layering shredded cabbage and radishes on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 shrimp, drizzling firecracker sauce and lime crema, and serving with lime wedges.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Double dredging shrimp ensures a crunchy crust. Use room temperature shrimp to prevent batter issues. Prepare sauces and toppings ahead for quick assembly. Baking shrimp at 425°F for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack is a lighter alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, firecracker shrimp, crispy shrimp, lime crema, easy tacos, spicy shrimp, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-firecracker-shrimp-tacos-recipe-easy-zesty-lime-crema-tacos/