How to Make Delicious Fried Shrimp Tacos From Scratch

Fried shrimp tacos are a crowd-pleasing fusion dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with warm corn tortillas and zesty toppings With just a few simple steps, you can make these flavorful tacos at home. This article will provide tips on how to make fried shrimp tacos that are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor.

An Overview of Fried Shrimp Tacos

Fried shrimp tacos consist of breaded shrimp that is deep fried until golden brown and crispy. The shrimp is then placed in warm corn tortillas and topped with shredded cabbage pico de gallo avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and a creamy sauce. The combination of hot crispy shrimp, cool fresh toppings, and soft tortillas makes for an incredible taste experience.

While fried shrimp tacos may sound indulgent, they are actually relatively healthy when made at home. Corn tortillas are low carb and high fiber. The toppings provide nutrients like vitamin C. And since you’re frying the shrimp yourself, you can control how much oil is used. Moderation is key!

This fusion dish originally became popular in Southern California, bringing together Mexican flavors with American-style fried shrimp. It has since become a staple menu item at Mexican restaurants across the U.S. Follow this guide to learn how to make your own restaurant-quality fried shrimp tacos.

How to Make Fried Shrimp for Tacos

The star of these tacos is the fried shrimp, so you’ll want to make it perfectly. Here are some tips:

• Choose raw, peeled shrimp – Either fresh or frozen and thawed is fine. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp which tends to get rubbery when fried.

• Pat shrimp dry – Excess moisture will make the breading soggy. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• Season with salt, pepper, spices – For flavorful shrimp, sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, etc.

• Coat with flour then egg wash – Dredge shrimp in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then dip in a bowl of whisked egg.

• Bread with panko – For ultra crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. Press into the shrimp to adhere.

• Fry at 350°F until golden brown – Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Flip halfway.

Following these steps results in fried shrimp with a super crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Now let’s talk about building the tacos!

Assembling Delicious Shrimp Tacos

A good shrimp taco is all about contrasting textures and flavors. Follow these steps:

• Warm the tortillas – Heat them in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil or on a hot skillet for a minute per side. This prevents cracking.

• Pile on the shrimp – Arrange 4-6 fried shrimp down the center of each tortilla.

• Add fresh toppings – Top with shredded purple cabbage, pico de gallo, diced avocado, and cilantro.

• Drizzle with sauce – Creamy cilantro or chipotle ranch sauce adds welcomed richness.

• Finish with a squeeze of lime – Lime juice brightens up the tacos perfectly.

• Serve immediately – Enjoy the tacos right after assembling for the best texture.

With an array of flavors and textures in each bite, these tacos never get boring! Now let’s go over some recipes for tasty homemade taco sauces.

Creamy Cilantro Sauce for Shrimp Tacos

Cilantro sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast to fried shrimp. Blend these simple ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

The tangy yogurt balanced by fresh cilantro and lime is fantastic with shrimp. For spicy cilantro sauce, add a minced jalapeno.

Chipotle Ranch Sauce for Fried Shrimp Tacos

Smoky chipotle pairs amazingly with fried seafood. Make a quick chipotle ranch with:

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp adobo sauce from can
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend until smooth. The cool ranch mixed with spicy adobo makes a perfect shrimp taco sauce.

What Sides Go Well with Fried Shrimp Tacos?

Fried shrimp tacos on their own are amazing. But sides like these make a delicious and more filling meal:

• Spanish rice – The tomatoey flavor complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Refried or black beans – Protein-rich and full of fiber to balance the tacos.

• Corn on the cob – Incredibly delicious paired with its shrimpy cousin!

• Guacamole – Cool, creamy guac softens the crispy tacos.

• Pineapple salsa – Its sweetness counters the heat of any spicy toppings.

A simple green salad also makes a light, refreshing accompaniment. Get creative with sides that balance the tacos’ flavors and textures.

Tips for Making the Best Fried Shrimp Tacos

• Use raw shrimp for the best flavor and texture after frying. Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge first.

• Pat shrimp very dry before breading to help the coating adhere.

• Don’t overfill the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature. Fry in batches.

• Fry just until shrimp are golden, not burnt. Burnt breading tastes bitter.

• Warm tortillas on a grill or skillet instead of microwaving for better texture.

• Top with cool ingredients like cabbage and avocado to contrast the hot crispy shrimp.

• Squeeze lime juice over tacos right before eating for maximum freshness.

With these handy tips and flavorful sauce recipes, you can now make incredible fried shrimp tacos at home. Impress your family and friends with this fun fusion dish!