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Smash Shrimp Tacos

Smash shrimp tacos with crispy smashed shrimp patties and warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cabbage slaw and creamy avocado. Quick skillet cooking gives a golden crust, while lime and cumin keep the flavor bright and coastal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican-Coastal
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
Binding and seasoning
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne
  • 0.25 salt and pepper to taste
Tortillas and cooking
  • 8 corn tortillas 8-10
  • 1 vegetable oil for cooking
Toppings
  • 1 cabbage slaw
  • 1 avocado slices
  • 1 cilantro
  • 1 lime wedges
  • 1 crema serve on the side

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Make the shrimp patties
  1. Chop the large shrimp finely. Combine chopped shrimp with breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Form the mixture into 8-10 small patties. Press firmly so they hold together when they hit the skillet.
Cook and assemble
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once.
  2. Warm the corn tortillas in the same skillet for about 20-30 seconds per side. Keep them warm while you build the tacos.
  3. Fill each tortilla with a shrimp patty. Top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and cilantro.
  4. Squeeze lime juice over the toppings. Serve with crema on the side and add extra lime wedges if desired.

Notes

For the crispiest smashed texture, press the patties firmly and avoid crowding the skillet so they brown instead of steam. Store leftover shrimp patties in the refrigerator up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Keep slaw and avocado refrigerated separately and assemble fresh. For a lighter option, use light mayonnaise in the patty mixture and choose a reduced-fat crema.