Fried Shrimp Tacos: 7 Deliciously Comforting Bites

Name: Fried Shrimp Tacos: 7 Deliciously Comforting Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornmeal; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Vegetable oil for frying; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

June 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—fried shrimp tacos! There’s just something magical about the crunch of the perfectly fried shrimp nestled in a warm corn tortilla, topped with all the fresh goodies. I remember the first time I had these at a little beach shack on a sunny afternoon, and I was instantly hooked! They’re crispy, flavorful, and so easy to whip up right in your own kitchen. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them perfect for everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, these fried shrimp tacos are sure to impress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making them again and again—just like I do! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!

fried shrimp tacos - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed cornmeal
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of your frying pan)
8 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage (for that fresh crunch)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (or your favorite salsa)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for a pop of flavor)
1 lime, cut into wedges (to squeeze over the top)

How to Prepare Fried Shrimp Tacos

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these fried shrimp tacos is a delightful experience, and I promise it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring that crunchy goodness in no time!

Heat the Oil: Start by pouring enough vegetable oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom, about 1/4 inch deep. Turn the heat to medium and let it warm up. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a tiny bit of batter—if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. This mixture is where the magic happens, giving your shrimp that delicious crunch!
Coat the Shrimp: Take your peeled and deveined shrimp, dip each one into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Then, roll them in the flour mixture until well coated. Make sure they’re nicely covered, but don’t worry if there’s a little extra on them—more crunch!
Fry the Shrimp: Gently place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they look beautiful and brown!
Drain the Shrimp: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil. Give them a minute to rest; trust me, they’ll be worth the wait!
Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are resting, warm your corn tortillas in a separate pan over low heat for about a minute on each side. This makes them soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping!
Assemble Your Tacos: Now comes the fun part! Place a few crispy shrimp on each tortilla and top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. And don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for that zesty kick!

And there you have it! It’s all about enjoying the process, so take your time, and don’t hesitate to get a little creative with your toppings. You’ve got this!

Nutritional Information

It’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying, right? Here’s an estimation of the nutritional values for these delicious fried shrimp tacos. Keep in mind that actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but this should give you a good idea:

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 20g

So, you can enjoy these tacos knowing they’re not just tasty, but also a nice source of protein! Perfect for a satisfying meal. Remember, adjusting frying methods or toppings can change these numbers, so feel free to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
Crispy, mouthwatering shrimp that everyone will adore.
Customizable toppings to suit every taste and dietary need.
Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings with friends and family.
Gluten-free option available with simple ingredient swaps.
Plenty of fresh flavors from the cabbage, tomatoes, and cilantro.
A fun way to get the family involved in the cooking process!
Leftovers? No problem! They’re just as delicious the next day.

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

It’s always a good idea to have options, especially when it comes to cooking! Let’s go through some of the key ingredients in these fried shrimp tacos and explore tasty substitutions that can cater to different dietary preferences.

Shrimp: Of course, shrimp is the star of the show here, but if you’re not a fan or have allergies, you can easily swap it out for chicken or even tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly—chicken will take a bit longer to cook through, while tofu can be fried until crispy just like the shrimp!
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. It works just as well for coating your shrimp and will still give you that lovely crunch!
Cornmeal: For a slightly different texture, you might try finely ground rice flour or even polenta. They’ll still add that nice crunch while giving your tacos a unique twist!
Vegetable Oil: While I often use vegetable oil for frying, you can also opt for canola oil or even coconut oil for a different flavor. Just remember that some oils have lower smoke points, so keep an eye on your heat!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free, but if you prefer flour tortillas or need a low-carb option, you can use lettuce wraps instead. It’s a fresh and crunchy alternative!
Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding avocado slices not only brings a creamy texture but also boosts the healthy fats. You can also use shredded carrots, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of creamy sauce to give it a little kick!

Remember, cooking is all about what you love and what works for you! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ingredients to find your perfect taco. Happy cooking!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make your fried shrimp tacos, let me share some handy tips to ensure everything turns out just perfect! Cooking should be fun and stress-free, so here are a few of my favorites:

Safety First: When frying, always be cautious with hot oil. Use a deep frying pan or a heavy skillet to help prevent splatters. If you’re unsure about the oil temperature, a candy thermometer can be your best friend—just aim for about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if you have a lot of shrimp. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp instead of that delightful crunch we’re after. Give each shrimp some space to fry evenly!
Perfecting the Crunch: If you want extra crispy shrimp, double-dip them! After the first egg and flour coating, dip them back into the eggs and then again into the flour mixture. This will give you that extra layer of crunchiness, which is so satisfying!
Resting Time: After frying, allow the shrimp to rest on paper towels for a minute or two. This helps them stay crispy while also soaking up any excess oil. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference!
Get Creative with Toppings: Think outside the box when it comes to toppings! Besides cabbage and tomatoes, try adding a drizzle of spicy mayo, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. The more flavors and textures, the better your tacos will be!
Pair with Dips: Serve your tacos with a side of fresh guacamole, zesty salsa, or even a tangy yogurt sauce. These dips add another layer of flavor and make your meal feel extra special!
Enjoying Leftovers: If you have any shrimp left over (which is rare, but it happens!), store them separately from the tortillas and toppings. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some of that glorious crunch!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious fried shrimp tacos! Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process and sharing good food with good company. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got those scrumptious fried shrimp tacos ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a complete meal! The right sides can really enhance the experience and make your dinner feel even more special.

Light Salad: A fresh salad is always a great companion. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. Toss in some avocado slices, cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the tacos.
Mexican Rice: You can never go wrong with a side of fluffy Mexican rice. Season it with some lime, cilantro, and a hint of garlic for added flavor. It’s the perfect way to soak up any extra toppings you might have, too!
Fresh Salsa: A bowl of fresh salsa is a must! Whether you go for a classic tomato salsa or something more adventurous like mango salsa, the vibrant flavors will complement your tacos beautifully. Plus, it’s so easy to make—just chop up your ingredients and mix!
Grilled Corn: If you’re looking for something a bit different, grilled corn on the cob is a fantastic choice. Slather it with butter and sprinkle some chili powder and lime juice for a sweet and spicy side that everyone will love.
Guacamole: You can’t have tacos without guacamole, right? Creamy and rich, it’s the perfect dip to enjoy with your tacos. Add some lime, salt, and diced onions for a zesty kick!
Refried Beans: A side of warm refried beans adds some heartiness to the meal. You can serve them on the side or even scoop some into your tacos for an extra layer of flavor.

When serving, don’t forget to lay out extra lime wedges and any additional toppings you love, like hot sauce or shredded cheese. The beauty of these tacos is that they’re so customizable, so let your guests build their own perfect bite! Enjoy the lovely meal you’ve created together!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your delicious fried shrimp tacos, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly and reheat them so they taste just as good as when they were first made!

Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover shrimp to cool down to room temperature before storing. You’ll want to place the shrimp in an airtight container and keep them separate from the tortillas and toppings. This helps maintain their crispiness! You can store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tortillas and fresh toppings should also be kept in separate containers to avoid sogginess.

Reheating the Shrimp: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating the shrimp to keep that crunchy texture intact. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. This method is much better than the microwave, which can make them a bit rubbery.

Warming the Tortillas: For the tortillas, you can warm them in a dry skillet over low heat for about a minute on each side or wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for a few minutes. This will make them soft and pliable, just like when you first made them!

And there you go! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your fried shrimp tacos even after the initial feast. They’ll still be delightful and satisfying, just the way you like them!

You might also like it

Seafood Boil Sauce Recipe: 5 Comforting Steps to Happiness

Delicious Fish Tacos: 5 Ways to Enjoy Comfortably

Fried Shrimp Tacos: 7 Deliciously Comforting Bites

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.