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Baja Shrimp Taco Recipe

Baja Shrimp Taco Recipe


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  • Author: Keyla Stewart
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 68 tacos (serves 3–4) 1x

Description

Crispy beer-battered shrimp, tangy lime crema, and crunchy cabbage slaw bring bold Baja flavor to these unforgettable tacos.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail off)

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder (optional)

  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Beer Batter:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 cup Mexican lager beer (e.g., Pacifico)

  • 1 egg

For Frying:

  • Vegetable or canola oil (at least 2 inches deep)

For the Slaw:

  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded

  • 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded (optional)

  • 1 small carrot, grated

  • 2 tbsp mayo

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

For the Crema:

  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream

  • 2 tbsp mayo

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tapatío)

  • Pinch of salt

To Serve:

  • 68 corn tortillas, warmed

  • Fresh lime wedges

  • Chopped cilantro

  • Diced red onion (optional)

  • Sliced radishes (optional garnish)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with lime juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, mayo, lime juice, salt, and cilantro. Chill until serving.

  3. Make the Crema: Stir crema ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning. Chill.

  4. Make the Batter: Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices. Add egg and beer; mix until smooth.

  5. Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil to 350°F. Dip shrimp in batter, fry 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.

  6. Warm Tortillas: Heat each tortilla on a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side.

  7. Assemble Tacos: Layer slaw, 2–3 shrimp, crema, and toppings in each tortilla. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, grill shrimp with olive oil, cumin, garlic, lime zest, and smoked paprika.
  • Swap crema with avocado-lime Greek yogurt sauce for a healthy twist.
  • Gluten-free option: use GF flour and beer, or skip batter and grill shrimp.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying or Grilling
  • Cuisine: mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg