A coastal Southern favorite with golden fried shrimp, fresh toppings, and a creamy zesty sauce — every bite feels like sunshine on a plate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Ingredients
For the Fried Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
For the Zesty Taco Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Tacos
- 6 flour or corn tortillas (warmed)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- ½ cup pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add shrimp and let them soak 10 minutes.
2. Make the Breading
- In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Toss shrimp in the dry mixture until fully coated.
3. Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack so they stay crunchy.
4. Mix the Taco Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Layer shredded cabbage on each tortilla.
- Add fried shrimp.
- Top with pico de gallo, avocado slices, cilantro, and a drizzle of zesty taco sauce.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of flavor.
Notes from Mama Clara’s Kitchen
“These shrimp tacos bring the perfect mix of crunch, zest, and Southern charm. They’re quick, easy, and made to brighten up any day.”
