Spicy Orange Shrimp Tacos with Fennel Slaw and Avocado Cilantro Cream
Try this Spicy Orange Shrimp Tacos with Fennel Slaw and Avocado Cilantro Cream recipe.
Try this Spicy Orange Shrimp Tacos with Fennel Slaw and Avocado Cilantro Cream recipe.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- eight 6 inch foolproof grainless tortillas or fres
- 1/2 lb / 225 g red cabbage
- 3 oz / 85 g fennel (about 1/2 medium bulb 1 cup or so when sliced)
- 1/2 cup / 70 g thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 medium)
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml avocado oil or mild olive oil
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp / 15 ml apple cider vinegar optional
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp / 90 ml fresh orange juice (i used cara c
- 1 tsp / 2 g ground ginger
- 1 lb / 454 g peeled deveined shrimp (i used 31 - 40 / lb)
- 6 oz / 170 g ripe avocado (about 2 small)
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml avocado oil or mild olive oil
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup / 20 g minced cilantro
- Carbohydrate 0.20777999987114 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0141424999795 g
- Fiber 0.0708249982931537 g
- Protein 0.043149999978 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00356124999468 g
- Serving Size 1 1 taco (118g)
- Sodium 145.40674999997 mg
- Sugar 0.136955001577986 g
- Trans Fat 0.00251499999662 g
- Calories 1 calories
Step-by-step
- TOSS: Use a mandoline to finely slice the red cabbage, fennel and red onion. Add the sliced vegetables to a mixing bowl, along with the oil, lime juice and apple cider vinegar (if using). Toss to coat the vegetables evenly in the dressing. Taste and add salt, if you like.
- REDUCE: Add the orange juice, ground ginger, oregano, garlic powder and salt to a skillet over medium heat. Bring the juice to a gently bubbling simmer, stirring the seasonings to combine evenly. Simmer until the seasoning mixture reduces down until it's thick enough to pull a clear path through it in the skillet with a spoon. It will look too thick at this point, but that's ok, because the shrimp will release some additional liquid as they cook.
- COOK: Add the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the seasoning mixture. Cook, stirring often, until the shrimp are opaque, fully cooked through and glossy. Remove from the heat.
- BLEND: Add all of the avocado cilantro cream ingredients to the blending container of your immersion blender, or a high sided narrow jar. Use an immersion blender to puree until you have a smooth, cilantro-flecked cream.
- ASSEMBLE: Pile each tortilla with some of the slaw mixture, then top with the spicy orange shrimp. Spoon or drizzle each taco with some of the avocado cream and serve immediately.
Spicy Orange Shrimp Tacos: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But I refuse to let that steal my joy in the kitchen, or deprive my family of flavorful, satisfying meals. This Spicy Orange Shrimp Tacos recipe is my go-to when I need a quick, impressive dish that doesn't sacrifice taste or quality.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The vibrant slaw, made with fennel, red cabbage, and a tangy lime dressing, provides a delightful crunch and refreshing counterpoint to the succulent shrimp. The shrimp themselves are cooked in a fragrant orange sauce that is both sweet and spicy – a perfect blend of flavors that dance on your tongue. And the creamy avocado cilantro sauce? It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a layer of richness and cool smoothness that balances the heat perfectly.
The Magic of the Slaw
I’ve found that using a mandoline slicer makes preparing the slaw a breeze. The thin, even slices of fennel and red cabbage ensure a consistent texture and allow the dressing to coat each piece beautifully. Feel free to adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to your liking; a little extra tang adds a lovely complexity to the slaw.
Shrimp Perfection
The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to cook them quickly over medium heat. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp, so be sure to keep a close eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and glossy. I prefer using peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, but if you have the time and prefer to do it yourself, feel free.
The Creamy Avocado Finish
The avocado cilantro cream is my secret weapon. This simple sauce adds a layer of luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the zesty shrimp and crunchy slaw. The fresh cilantro adds a touch of brightness and a hint of herbaceousness that elevates the whole dish. This sauce is so good, you might find yourself adding it to everything!
More than Just Tacos
This recipe isn’t limited to tacos. The shrimp and slaw are equally delicious served over rice, quinoa, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps. It’s a wonderfully versatile recipe that allows for creative exploration in the kitchen. Feel free to add your own personal touch – experiment with different types of slaw vegetables, or perhaps add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat. The possibilities are endless!
A Weeknight Winner
This Spicy Orange Shrimp Tacos recipe has become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit with my family. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of a busy life, we can still enjoy delicious, healthy, and memorable meals together. So, the next time you’re short on time but craving something special, try this recipe. You won’t be disappointed!
Beyond the Recipe
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the joy of creating something delicious and sharing it with loved ones. It's about taking a few moments in the midst of a busy day to connect with my family through the simple act of cooking and eating together. These are the moments I cherish, and it's recipes like this one that make those moments possible.
A Culinary Journey
This recipe, for me, is more than just a meal; it’s a tiny culinary journey, a small adventure in the kitchen. Each step, from carefully slicing the fennel to the satisfying sizzle of the shrimp, is a chance to connect with the food and appreciate the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful and delicious. And that, I believe, is the true magic of cooking.
