Tacos are a perennial favourite, and when they are stuffed with crunchy popcorn shrimp and topped with tangy cabbage slaw, seafood aficionados can’t resist them. This dish is the ideal choice for a fast and savoury supper since it blends the delicious flavours of soft shrimp, a crispy coating, and a cooling slaw. Let’s now go into the specifics of this delicious popcorn shrimp taco dish.
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popcorn shrimp Tacos
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Baking Sheet
- Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper towels
- Skillet or Oven
- Serving Platter
- Optional Tongs, spatula, or cooking thermometer for handling and monitoring the frying process.
Ingredients
For the Popcorn Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Taco Assembly:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage Slaw:
- Shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper should all be combined in a big dish.
- Combine everything and toss until the cabbage is well covered with dressing.
- To enable the flavours to mingle, cover the bowl and chill the slaw for at least 30 minutes.
Bread and Fry the Popcorn Shrimp:
- Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small plate.
- Each prawn should be dipped into the beaten eggs before being coated with the flour mixture and gently pressed to adhere.
- The breaded prawns should be put on a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Vegetable oil should be heated over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or deep pan.
- The breaded prawns should be carefully added in batches to the heated oil and fried for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To drain the extra oil, move the cooked shrimp to a dish lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon.
Assemble the Popcorn Shrimp Tacos:
- The flour tortillas may be baked for a short time in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a dry pan over medium heat.
- Each tortilla should have a thick layer of the cabbage slaw on it.
- Add some popcorn shrimp that are crunchy to the slaw.
- If preferred, garnish with diced avocado and new cilantro leaves.
- Add a lime wedge to each taco for an extra citrus flavour boost.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Place the tacos with the popcorn shrimp stacked on a tray.
- While the tortillas are still heated and the prawns are still crispy, serve them right away.
- For those who want a more tangy kick, serve additional lime wedges with the dish.
Video
Notes
NUTRITION
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Popcorn Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp: Approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the size and cooking method.
-
Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage: Approximately 40-50 calories.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Around 400-600 calories, depending on the brand and type.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Approximately 8-10 calories.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Around 60-70 calories.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Less than 5 calories.
-
Flour Tortillas:
- 8 small flour tortillas: Approximately 80-120 calories per tortilla, depending on the brand and size.
-
Additional Garnishes:
- Sliced avocado: Roughly 50-80 calories per 1/4 cup, depending on the size of the avocado.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Negligible calorie content.
- Lime wedges: Negligible calorie content.
Tips and Precautions for Making Popcorn Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw:
Tips:
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to make your popcorn shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw taste better. Choose fresh shrimp, crisp cabbage and ripe avocados. The flavour and entire experience may be significantly impacted by using high-quality components. Adapt the seasoning: You are welcome to change the recipe’s spices to your liking. You may up the amount of lime juice for a tangier slaw or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the breading mixture for a spicy bite. Properly bread the shrimp: When breading the shrimp, make sure the batter is applied evenly by gently pressing the coating onto the shrimp. This will provide a delicious and crispy exterior. Fry in batches: Fry the prawns in small batches to maintain the ideal frying temperature and guarantee even cooking. Shrimp that cooks less crisply might result from overcrowding the skillet and uneven browning. Drain extra oil: After frying the shrimp, place them on a platter covered with paper towels so that extra oil may be drained off. By doing this, you can keep their crispy texture while also getting rid of any extra fat. Warm tortillas properly: Warm tortillas correctly by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. Warm tortillas are easier to chew and more malleable. Customize with toppings:Don’t be afraid to be creative with extra garnishes and toppings. Your tacos can benefit from the additional flavour and texture of sliced radishes, chopped tomatoes, or a splash of spicy sauce.Precautions:
Handle hot oil with caution:Â Use extreme caution while handling hot oil when frying prawns to prevent oil splatters. Use the proper tools to handle the prawns securely, such as tongs or a slotted spoon, and keep kids and dogs away from the cooking area. Check for allergies: Before serving the dish to guests, check to see if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions that could affect the seafood or any other items in the recipe. Safe food handling:Â Safe food handling involves adhering to recommended food safety procedures, such as fully washing hands before handling food, storing perishable components correctly, and preventing cross-contamination. Be aware of frying temperatures: To get precisely cooked prawns, keep the frying temperature constant. A temperature that is too low can produce greasy shrimp, while a temperature that is too high might result in overdone or burnt coating. Serve immediately:Â Tacos with popcorn shrimp are finest when they are warm and fresh. To guarantee that the tortillas and shrimp stay soft and crispy, serve them right away after assembly. You may confidently make and enjoy your delectable popcorn shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw by keeping in mind these suggestions and safety measures. Take pleasure in the procedure and the delicious flavours they provide to your meal! ÂÂ
History of  Popcorn Shrimp TacosÂ
The rich culinary traditions of Mexican and American cuisine may be traced back to the origins of popcorn shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw. While popcorn shrimp, a famous fried seafood dish, first became well-known in the United States in the middle of the 20th century, tacos have been a mainstay of Mexican cuisine for decades. These two components combined with the addition of cabbage slaw for texture and flavour contrast shows culinary ingenuity and a fusion of flavours. This recipe has changed over the years and is now a well-liked option for seafood fans looking for a flavorful and gratifying taco experience.
Frequently Asked Questions –
What is the flavour profile of tacos with cabbage slaw and popcorn shrimp?
Answer: The mix of flavours in popcorn shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw is delicious. The cabbage slaw adds a light and acidic flavour, while the popcorn shrimp adds a crunchy and salty flavour. The bite of the shredded cabbage complements the creamy, mildly sweet flavour of the slaw dressing.
Can I use another protein in place of the prawns?
Answer: You can swap out the prawns with other seafood like salmon, scallops or even grilled chicken if you want a different protein or have dietary constraints. This enables customisation based on dietary requirements and personal preferences.
Can I prepare the cabbage slaw in advance?
Answer: The answer is that you can make the cabbage slaw in advance. In fact, giving the slaw at least 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator might help the flavours combine. Just remember to keep it chilled in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
Are there any variations of this dish that are vegetarian-friendly?
Answer: Although the classic dish calls for shrimp, you can adapt it to accommodate vegetarian tastes by switching out the popcorn shrimp for alternatives such breaded tofu or tempeh. Additionally, you might look at vegan yoghurt or plant-based mayonnaise as slaw dressing substitutes.
Can I make the tacos with popcorn shrimp gluten-free?
Answer: Yes, by using a gluten-free flour mixture or a particular gluten-free coating mix for the popcorn shrimp, you can make this dish gluten-free. Additionally, select tortillas free of gluten or decide to use lettuce wraps in place of the tortillas.
Who can eat Who cannot
Who can eat:
- Seafood Lovers: Popcorn prawn tacos are a seafood treat, making them the ideal option for seafood connoisseurs.
- Non-Vegetarians: Shrimp, a form of shellfish, is used in this dish. These tacos are suitable for non-vegetarians who eat fish.
- anyone without Shellfish Allergies: Popcorn prawn tacos are safe to eat for anyone without shellfish allergies or sensitivities. It’s important to steer clear of this recipe or find acceptable substitutes if you or anybody you’re serving has allergies.
- Those without Specific Dietary Restrictions: Those who do not have any special dietary requirements can enjoy these tacos as a part of a well-balanced lunch.
Who cannot eat:
- Vegetarians and Vegans: Vegans and vegetarians should avoid this dish since it contains prawns, an animal byproduct. This meal should not be consumed by vegetarians or vegans who abstain from eating animal products.
- Individuals with Shellfish Allergies: People with shellfish allergies should refrain from eating prawns or any other foods that include shellfish, including these tacos. It’s important to take the required measures since serious and even life-threatening shellfish allergies can occur.
- People with Special Dietary Requirements: People who have special dietary requirements, such as those who follow a kosher or halal diet, should make sure the items used in this dish are compliant with their dietary requirements.
- Anyone Avoiding Fried Foods: Popcorn shrimp tacos include frying the shrimp, thus they might not be suited for people who wish to stay away from fried or high-fat meals. When this occurs, think about other ways to prepare the prawns, such as baking or grilling.
