Enjoy a flavorful Spanish-style shrimp taco recipe that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine:
Recipe Ingredients:
1. For the Spanish-style Shrimp:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2. For Taco Assembly:
- Small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Sliced red bell peppers
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Recipe Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spanish-style Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Toss to coat evenly and remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds on each side.
- Place a few Spanish-style shrimp on each tortilla.
- Top with sliced red bell peppers, sliced red onions, and chopped cilantro.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
- These Spanish-style Shrimp Tacos are bursting with the smoky and spicy flavors of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. The combination of savory shrimp with the freshness of vegetables creates a vibrant and satisfying taco experience. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
- Customize with your favorite toppings, and relish the bold and aromatic flavors reminiscent of Spanish cuisine in every bite of these delicious shrimp tacos!
Expert Tips for Spanish-style Shrimp Recipe
- Authentic Smoked Paprika (Pimentón): Opt for high-quality smoked paprika (pimentón) to impart an authentic and robust Spanish flavor to the shrimp. Spanish pimentón comes in different varieties such as sweet (dulce), bittersweet (agridulce), and hot (picante). Choose the one that aligns with your spice preference to enhance the smokiness and depth of the dish.
- Balanced Heat with Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a delightful kick to the shrimp. To achieve a balanced heat, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and adjust according to your preference. This allows you to control the spiciness without overwhelming the other flavors. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but it's challenging to reduce it once it's added.
- Quick and Even Cooking of Shrimp: Shrimp cook rapidly, and overcooking can result in a rubbery texture. Ensure even cooking by arranging shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cooking for a short duration, approximately 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. This preserves the shrimp's natural sweetness and succulence.
- Freshness of Herbs and Citrus: The freshness of chopped parsley and the zing from lemon juice contribute to the vibrant and lively character of the dish. Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, and squeeze the lemon just before adding it to the shrimp to preserve its bright citrus notes. This ensures that the herbs and citrus elements elevate the overall freshness of the Spanish-style shrimp.
By focusing on authentic smoked paprika, balancing the heat, ensuring quick and even cooking of the shrimp, and prioritizing the freshness of herbs and citrus, you'll master the art of creating Spanish-style Shrimp Tacos that are not only flavorful but also true to the culinary spirit of Spain.
Why Make Spanish-style Shrimp Recipe
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Spain with these enticing Spanish-style Shrimp Tacos. In this delectable recipe, succulent large shrimp are adorned with the rich and aromatic flavors of smoked paprika (pimentón), cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Sautéed with minced garlic and dressed in the zesty embrace of fresh lemon juice, the shrimp become a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and citrusy notes.
Assembled on warm tortillas, these tacos invite a symphony of colors and textures. The Spanish-style shrimp take center stage, adorned with sliced red bell peppers that bring a sweet crunch, and red onions that offer a touch of piquancy. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous freshness, while optional sliced jalapeños introduces a fiery kick for those seeking an extra spice dimension.
Served with lime wedges on the side, these tacos not only deliver a delightful medley of flavors but also evoke the lively spirit of Spanish cuisine. The combination of bold seasonings, fresh ingredients, and a touch of heat creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and invigorating.