Prawn tacos are a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the sea right to your plate. With a zesty chipotle lime marinade, these tacos are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, they are sure to be a hit!
Why Make this Recipe
Making prawn tacos with chipotle lime marinade is a great choice for several reasons. First, prawns cook quickly, making this dish a time-saver for busy weekdays. Second, the combination of lime and chipotle adds a deep, smoky flavor that elevates your ordinary taco night. Lastly, they are customizable! You can add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
How to Make Prawn Tacos
Creating these tasty prawn tacos is straightforward. You’ll be mixing a flavorful marinade, cooking the prawns quickly, and then assembling your tacos with fresh ingredients. Just follow the simple steps below!
Ingredients:
- 500g/1 lb medium prawns/shrimp (peeled, frozen thawed, or 1 kg / 2lb unpeeled whole)
- Zest of 1 lime (or lemon)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (or lemon)
- 1 tbsp chipotle powder (MEDIUM spicy, can reduce to 2 tsp for MILD)
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro (finely chopped, sub chives)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 8 cups green cabbage (finely shredded, about 1/4 head)
- 1/2 onion (very finely chopped, brown, yellow, or white)
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt (like Greek, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (or lemon)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
- 2 – 3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 – 15 small tortillas (corn or flour, warmed or charred per packet)
- Lime wedges (highly recommended)
- Coriander/cilantro (roughly chopped)
Directions:
- Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl and toss the prawns in the marinade. Set aside for 20 minutes (5 minutes is fine too).
- Warm a serving bowl by using the microwave for 1 minute or with hot water, then dry.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the prawns and cook each side for 60 seconds. You can also cook them on a BBQ on high heat—just double skewer for easy rotation.
- Transfer the cooked prawns to the warmed bowl and cover loosely with foil. Cook the remaining prawns.
- Serve the prawns with slaw, pink taco sauce, warm tortillas, and lime wedges.
Taco Slaw:
Prepare a slaw by mixing green cabbage, finely chopped onion, plain yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, sour cream, and sriracha.
Pink Taco Sauce:
Mix the remaining yogurt with lime juice, salt, and sriracha to create a delicious sauce for your tacos.
How to Serve Prawn Tacos
Serve your prawn tacos by placing the cooked prawns onto warm tortillas and adding the taco slaw and pink taco sauce on top. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped coriander for an extra punch of flavor!
How to Store Prawn Tacos
If you have leftovers or need to prepare in advance, store the cooked prawns and taco slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should last 1-2 days. For best results, reheat the prawns before serving.
Tips to Make Prawn Tacos
- Don’t marinate the prawns for too long; 20 minutes is perfect to infuse flavor without overdoing it.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Warm your tortillas to enhance their taste and texture.
- Customize toppings to your liking with avocado, salsa, or jalapeños!
Variations
To switch things up, try using different spices in the marinade, such as paprika for a milder flavor or garlic powder for an extra depth. You can also swap out the prawns for chicken or beef if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen prawns before marinating them to ensure they absorb all the flavors.What can I do if I don’t have chipotle powder?
You can use smoked paprika as a substitute for a milder flavor.Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortillas, the tacos can be gluten-free!
Enjoy your delicious prawn tacos with chipotle lime marinade, and let the flavors take you on a culinary adventure!
Prawn Tacos
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 500 g medium prawns/shrimp (peeled, frozen thawed, or 1 kg / 2lb unpeeled whole)
- 1 each lime (or lemon, zest)
- ¼ cup lime juice (or lemon)
- 1 tbsp chipotle powder (MEDIUM spicy, can reduce to 2 tsp for MILD)
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro (finely chopped, sub chives)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
For the Taco Slaw
- 8 cups green cabbage (finely shredded, about 1/4 head)
- ½ each onion (very finely chopped, brown, yellow, or white)
- ¾ cup plain yogurt (like Greek, unsweetened)
- ¼ cup lime juice (or lemon)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¾ cup sour cream (or yogurt)
- 2-3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
For Serving
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12-15 each small tortillas (corn or flour, warmed or charred per packet)
- 1 each lime wedges (highly recommended)
- 1 each coriander/cilantro (roughly chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and toss the prawns in the marinade. Set aside for 20 minutes (5 minutes is fine too).
- Warm a serving bowl by using the microwave for 1 minute or with hot water, then dry.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the prawns and cook each side for 60 seconds.
- Transfer the cooked prawns to the warmed bowl and cover loosely with foil. Cook the remaining prawns.
Assembly
- Serve the prawns with slaw, pink taco sauce, warm tortillas, and lime wedges.
Taco Slaw Preparation
- Prepare a slaw by mixing green cabbage, finely chopped onion, plain yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, sour cream, and sriracha.
Pink Taco Sauce Preparation
- Mix the remaining yogurt with lime juice, salt, and sriracha to create a delicious sauce for your tacos.
Serving
- Serve your prawn tacos by placing the cooked prawns onto warm tortillas and adding the taco slaw and pink taco sauce on top. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped coriander.
