These delicious fried shrimp tacos are made with juicy, jumbo shrimp dipped in a light and flavorful tempura batter infused with zesty spices, and deep fried to crispy perfection.
I love fried shrimp, and I love tacos. So, I decided to put them together to make these delicious crispy fried shrimp tacos. These tacos are easy to make and loaded with flavor and texture. That’s an absolutely fantastic combo if you ask me, and since you’re here, you kind of are!
The secret to the delicious, crispy coating on the shrimp is tempura. It gives the shrimp that classic seafood batter texture, and I add zesty spices to really make them pop! This is a recipe that I make at least once a month for Taco Tuesday or for Cinco de Mayo when I have family and friends over, and everyone is always so happy to see those tacos coming. LOL
Fried Shrimp Tacos
These tacos start with jumbo shrimp that I coat in a tempura batter seasoned with a Cajun blend, garlic salt, and paprika. I fry them until they golden and crispy, then I add them to tortillas with coleslaw. That’s all there is to it! It only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, and when I’m all done, I have delicious shrimp tacos that have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Shrimp Taco Recipe
- The fried shrimp is light and crispy, and with the zesty seasonings, every bite is flavorful.
- The creamy coleslaw balances the warmth and savory taste of the fried shrimp.
- They are easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Fried Shrimp Taco Ingredients
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create all its bold flavor.
- Jumbo Shrimp: I prefer jumbo shrimp for an extra meaty bite.
- Tempura: Tempura gives the shrimp that classic seafood batter texture.
- Seasonings: The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, and paprika gives the batter a bold, zesty flavor.
- Coleslaw: I just get a bagged coleslaw kit from the store.
- Flour Tortillas: I like the neutral flavor of flour tortillas for these tacos.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact quantities.
How to Make Fried Shrimp Tacos
Making these tacos only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps to go from ingredients to a plateful of deliciousness!
Step 1: Preheat the Oil
Add the vegetable oil to a large, deep skillet and heat over medium heat while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Whisk the tempura and seasonings together in a large bowl. Then, slowly whisk in the milk until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Fry
Dip each shrimp in the batter and then place in the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes total until golden brown on both sides. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place on a plate with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Repeat until all the shrimp are fried.
Step 4: Make the Coleslaw
Prepare the coleslaw according to the package directions.
Step 5: Make the Tacos
Heat the tortillas on both sides over medium-high heat in a pan. Then, add the coleslaw mix to each tortilla followed by the shrimp, and optional toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Preheat your oil while you prepare the batter and shrimp to ensure it’s nice and hot.
- Fry your shrimp in batches to keep the oil hot. This helps keep the coating crispy rather than soggy.
- Always heat your tortillas before filling them. Its brings out their flavor and makes them more pliable.
Variations
- You can pan fry the shrimp without batter if you prefer.
- You can use tiger shrimp for extra large shrimp in your tacos. They are BIG!
- Add a little cayenne for a spicy shrimp coating.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos
Serve these tacos with your favorite grilled or steamed vegetables along with all your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, seafood sauce, or anything else you’d like! This pineapple coleslaw is excellent as well. They’re extremely versatile tacos.
Recipe FAQ
While fish is healthy, fried fish isn’t. Frying in oil adds extra fat, and the breading adds extra calories. That being said, there’s a reason we have the saying “all things in moderation.”
Olive oil or sunflower oil are the healthiest oils for frying any kind of food. Both of these oils are heart healthy, have a high smoke point, and boast a neutral flavor that won’t change the taste of your shrimp.
These tacos will last for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Store the shrimp, coleslaw, and tortillas separately if possible to keep the shrimp coating and the tortillas from getting soggy.
While you can freeze the fried shrimp for these tacos, I don’t recommend it. You’ll never get the same kind of crisp coating after they’re defrosted.
Classics like cocktail sauce and tartar sauce are always good choices. Other tasty sauces to pair with shrimp include 1000 Island sauce, Thai sauce, and aioli.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Shrimp Tacos
Store the shrimp and coleslaw separately in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bake the shrimp at 350 until heated through and the coating is crispy again. Then, assemble the tacos as usual.
Try This Delicious Fried Shrimp Taco Recipe Today
This fried shrimp taco recipe is super easy to make and so delicious it will have everyone coming back for more. Everyone will love the taste, and you’ll love how fast you’re in and out of the kitchen! Give this delicious, zesty fried shrimp taco recipe a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes You’ll Enjoy
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Fried Shrimp Tacos
These fried shrimp tacos are easy to make, coated in a tempura-seasoned batter, and fried to crispy perfection.
Instructions
In a large, deep skillet, pour in vegetable oil and heat over medium heat while preparing shrimp.
In a large bowl, whisk together the tempura and seasonings. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk batter. Stir until batter is smooth.
Dip each shrimp into batter and then place in the hot oil.
Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes total, or until golden brown on both sides. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all shrimp are battered and fried.
Make coleslaw according to package directions.
Heat tortillas in a pan over medium-high heat on both sides.
Assemble tacos by adding coleslaw mix into tortilla and placing fried shrimp on top.
Top with desired toppings; red onions, fresh lime juice, your favorite seafood sauce, cilantro, etc.
Notes
- Preheat your oil while you prepare the batter and shrimp to ensure it’s nice and hot.
- Fry your shrimp in batches to keep the oil hot. This helps keep the coating crispy rather than soggy.
- Always heat your tortillas before filling them. Its brings out their flavor and makes them more pliable.
Nutritional values are approximate.
Please note that these values can change with different brands and any modifications made to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements.
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 806mgPotassium: 135mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 343IUCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg
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