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Single-Seared Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Single-Seared Garlic Shrimp Tacos

By Rose HattabaughMarch 26, 2025

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes
  • Rating

We are very one-sided when it comes to shrimp. And that’s a good thing. Shrimp are notoriously easy to overcook, so to keep them plump and tender, we deeply brown them in a hot skillet on just one side. That develops plenty of flavor without turning them tough and rubbery. Tucked into warm corn tortillas and topped with a crisp, citrusy cabbage and onion slaw, the garlic- and chili-seasoned shrimp make terrific tacos.

Ingredients
  • 2

    tablespoons lime juice, plus lime wedges, to serve

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 2

    cups thinly sliced green cabbage

  • ½

    small red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1

    Fresno or jalapeño chili, stemmed, seeded and minced

  • 4

    teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 3

    medium garlic cloves, minced

  • teaspoons chipotle chili powder or ancho chili powder

  • pounds large (26/30 per pound) shrimp, peeled (tails removed), deveined and patted dry

  • ½

    cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

  • 8

    corn tortillas, warmed

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk the lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix in the cabbage, onion and half the chili. Set aside, tossing occasionally, while you prepare the shrimp. In a medium bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons oil, half the garlic, the chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, then stir in the shrimp.

Step 2

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat 1 teaspoon of the remaining oil until shimmering. Add half the shrimp in an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown on the bottoms, about 2 minutes. Stir, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining shrimp, but leave the shrimp in the pan. Return the first batch to the pan. Add the remaining garlic and remaining chili; cook over medium, stirring, until the shrimp are opaque throughout, about 1 minute. Transfer to a clean plate or a bowl.

Step 3

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the cilantro to the cabbage mixture; toss. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Divide the shrimp among the tortillas, then top with the cabbage mixture. Serve with lime wedges.