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Crispy Buffalo Shrimp Tacos Recipe Easy Zesty Cilantro Lime Crema

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Crunchy fried shrimp tossed in spicy buffalo sauce paired with a cool, zesty cilantro lime crema, wrapped in warm tortillas for a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible for best flavor)
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or use gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) cold sparkling water
  • Vegetable oil for frying (recommend peanut oil)
  • ½ cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Optional: sliced avocado, diced red onion, or pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 lb medium shrimp to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Whisk to blend.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 cup cold sparkling water, whisking gently until smooth but slightly thick. Add more water if batter is too thick.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Using tongs, dip shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  6. Transfer fried shrimp to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Place fried shrimp in a bowl, pour ½ cup buffalo sauce over, and gently toss to coat evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt with ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, ½ tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and chill.
  9. Warm 8 small tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20-30 seconds.
  10. Assemble tacos by layering lettuce or cabbage on tortillas, adding 3-4 buffalo shrimp each, drizzling with cilantro lime crema, and topping with optional avocado or jalapeños.

Notes

Do not skip the sparkling water in the batter for extra crispiness. Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid greasy shrimp. Toss shrimp gently in buffalo sauce to keep coating crispy. Prepare crema ahead for better flavor. Reheat shrimp in skillet or oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo shrimp tacos, crispy shrimp tacos, cilantro lime crema, easy shrimp tacos, spicy shrimp recipe, fried shrimp tacos

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-buffalo-shrimp-tacos-recipe-easy-zesty-cilantro-lime-crema/