The best tacos de camaron are loaded with pan fried seasoned shrimp, lettuce, cotija cheese, and cilantro. The fresh and delicious tacos are packed with zesty flavor and can be made in less than 30 minutes. They're the perfect weeknight dinner everyone will enjoy.
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Tacos de camaron are a go to for us when we eat out at our favorite Mexican restaurant. They're simple yet packed with flavor. There's something about the warm corn tortillas served with lime wedges and seasoned shrimp that are so addicting. I was excited to make these at home because if I could recreate them then I could make them any time. I was surprised at how quickly these came together. In less than 30 minutes I had dinner on the table and the flavor was out of this world. Chili powder, smoked paprika, and a lot of garlic brought these to the next level.
Before making the tacos de camaron I ordered authentic shrimp tacos from our favorite restaurants because I wanted to get the flavors right. I tested this recipe multiple times until finding the perfect spices and flavors for this recipe.I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe as much as we do.
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Why You’ll Love Tacos de Camaron
Healthy - They’re made with all fresh ingredients. Shrimp are a low calorie option combined with shredded lettuce, cilantro, and cotija cheese. They’re simple yet packed with flavor and will keep you full for hours.
Easy - When I say this is the perfect weeknight dinner, I mean it. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes putting everything together. Shrimp cook up super quickly and there’s very little prep time.
Enjoy year round - The camarones can be made on a cast iron skillet or thrown on the grill on a warm summer or spring afternoon. You can even marinate the shrimp for a day for added flavor all throughout the shrimp.
Versatile - Everyone can enjoy tacos de camaron. Whether you have picky eaters at the dinner table or not these are so versatile and can be topped however you’d like using anything you have on hand. Alternatively they can be eaten plain as well.
Where did tacos de camaron originate?
Tacos de camaron are a traditional Mexican recipe that consists of shrimp topped with lettuce, cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado and or cheese. If you haven’t figured it out yet the camaron taco meaning is simply shrimp tacos. You’ll hear these referred to in multiple different ways but they all refer to the same thing. For example: tacos de camarones Mexicanos (Mexican shrimp tacos) and tacos de camaron receta (shrimp tacos recipe).
The versatility of the meal is what makes them so fun and perfect for weeknight dinners because everyone can have them their own way. They’re usually served on either a flour tortilla or a corn tortillas. There is some debate on where the tacos originated but Baja California in Mexico is the most agreed upon location. Tacos de camaron are a popular Mexican street food that is now enjoyed with simple ingredients all over the world.
Tacos de Camaron Ingredients
Extra large or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined - Shrimp get smaller as they cook so the bigger the better. The kind of shrimp you choose is completely up to you.
Chili powder - Regular or ancho chile powder work great for this
Smoked paprika - To add depth and smokiness
Salt - To enhance flavor, I prefer to use a seasoned or kosher salt for added flavor
Pepper - Also to enhance flavor
Garlic cloves - Fresh garlic cloves are best in this recipe.
Oil for frying - I prefer to use vegetable or canola oil over olive oil because of the subtle flavor
Tortillas - flour tortillas or corn tortillas will be just fine
Shredded lettuce - I used iceberg lettuce because we enjoy the crunch it provides
Cotija cheese - A delicious Mexican cheese that's mild in flavor but resembles the texture of feta
Cilantro - For freshness
Lime - To add brightness and tartness to the tacos, fresh lemon juice can be substituted
How to Make the Shrimp Tacos
Step 1. Place cleaned and peeled shrimp in a medium bowl and set aside. In a small bowl mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper together until combined. Add the spice mix and garlic to the bowl with the shrimp. Stir until the shrimp are completely coated in the seasoning.
Step 2. In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat to medium-high heat. Once heated, place shrimp into the skillet and cook, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes or until all the shrimp are firm and cooked through. Set the juicy shrimp aside and let cool slightly.
Step 3. Assemble the tortilla by adding shredded lettuce, shrimp, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime juice. Serve immediately.
Other Ways to Top Tacos de Camaron
- Pico de gallo - It’s so easy to throw together using only tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and lime juice. This adds an element of freshness to the tacos.
- Mango corn salsa - Bring some sweetness by adding fresh mango, sweet corn, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a summer day when these ingredients are in season.
- Pickled red onion - All you need is red onion, vinegar, sugar and salt and you’ve got the perfect tartness for this recipe. Any left overs can be thrown on a sandwich or used to top a salad.
- Avocado crema - A zesty cream sauce made with fresh avocado, lime, cilantro and sour cream.
Other Popular Taco de Camaron Variations
- Baja Shrimp Tacos - Typically includes deep fried shrimp with shredded cabbage and a white creamy sauce. You may find this type of preparation on the Mexican Peninsula.
- Tacos Dorados Camaron - These are also known as flautas. They are made with rolled corn tortillas filled with shrimp and cheese and fried until crispy.
- Tacos de Camaron Gobernado - Also known as governor tacos. They are named after a Sinaloan governor and made with shrimp, grated cheese, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes.
Storing Tacos De Camaron
The Mexican shrimp tacos are best when the ingredients are stored separately. I recommend placing the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I like to keep the tortillas wrapped in foil to keep them fresh and then place them in the oven when I’m ready to reheat. The shredded lettuce and cheese can be refrigerated separately. I usually hold onto these until around their expiration date.
To reheat preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Wrap the tortillas in foil if they’re not already and bake for about 10-15 minutes until fully heated through. The shrimp can also be wrapped in foil and placed in the oven for the same time. You can also heat in the microwave on a microwave safe plate covered until fully reheated. I like to place a damp paper towel over the tortillas so they retain their moisture and become more pliable.
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Easy Tacos de Camaron
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra large or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon oil for frying
- 6 tortillas
- shredded lettuce
- cotija cheese
- cilantro
- lime
Instructions
- Place cleaned and peeled shrimp in a medium bowl and set aside. In a small bowl mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper together until combined. Add the spice mix and garlic to the bowl with the shrimp. Stir until the shrimp are completely coated in the seasoning.
- In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat to medium-high heat. Once heated, place shrimp into the skillet and cook, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes or until all the shrimp are firm and cooked through. Set the juicy shrimp aside and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the tortilla by adding shredded lettuce, shrimp, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime juice. Serve immediately.
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