What's the best way to sear shrimp?

There are lots of ways to sear shrimp, but start by drying the shrimp. I like to marinate the shrimp briefly at room temperature then add to a cast iron skillet and crank the heat. Starting the shrimp in a cold skillet will actually help ensure the shrimp to overcook.

How do you thaw frozen shrimp?

Place frozen shrimp in a large bowl and run cold water over the shrimp in the sink. Continue to let water slowly pour over the shrimp and they will thaw in about 10 minutes.

What are the best shrimp for searing?

Pick large shrimp (at least 16-20 per pound) and ensure they are not chemically treated. Shrimp that are soaked in a chemical brine will not sear well and will have a mushy texture when cooked.

How to tell if my shrimp have been treated with chemicals?

Read the label of you shrimp, if they are prepackaged, and ensure the only ingredient listed is shrimp (or shrimp and salt). Avoid shrimp with any added ingredients like sodium bisulfate or sodium tripolyphosphate.

Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos - The Real Recipes

Name: Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American/Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp (16-20 per pound); 2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil, divided; 3 tsp. chili lime seasoning, divided; zest and juice of 2 limes, divided, plus more for serving; 1 garlic clove, grated; 1 tsp. table salt, divided; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeno (plus 1 Tbsp. brine); 2 cups shredded red cabbage (from 1 medium cabbage); 1/2 cup sliced scallions (from 2 large scallions); 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes; 1 ear corn; 8 corn tortillas, warmed; cilantro for garnish

Description

These Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and simple one-skillet dinner perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The tacos are packed with spicy seared shrimp, a crunchy cabbage slaw and a creamy pickled jalapeno sauce. Save this one any time you need a fun yet simple dinner idea.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp (16-20 per pound)
2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil, divided
3 tsp. chili lime seasoning, divided
zest and juice of 2 limes, divided, plus more for serving
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tsp. table salt, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeno (plus 1 Tbsp. brine)
2 cups shredded red cabbage (from 1 medium cabbage)
1/2 cup sliced scallions (from 2 large scallions)
1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
1 ear corn
8 corn tortillas, warmed
cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Stir together shrimp, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 2 teaspoons of the chili lime seasoning, zest of 1 lime, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together in a medium bowl the sour cream, pickled jalapeno and brine, remaining lime zest and juice from 1 lime, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Stir together the cabbage, scallions, radishes, 1 tablespoon oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Brush corn with remaining 1 teaspoon oil and char in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, about 8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes. Cool slightly then cut the kernels off the cob and set aside.
Allow the skillet to cool then add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Turn heat to medium-high and cook the shrimp until charred on one side, about 2 minutes, then flip and char on the other side, another 30 seconds. Remove and repeat with remaining shrimp, if cooking in batches.
To assemble tacos, divide sauce among tortillas, then add about 1/4 cup of the cabbage mixture, shrimp, some of the charred corn, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

You can make the sour cream mixture and cabbage mixture a day or two ahead of time and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Starting shrimp in a cold skillet then cranking the heat ensures the shrimp don't overcook.
Be sure to purchase untreated (no chemicals) shrimp as they won't sear properly and will have a mushy texture.

Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 10 min.
Category: Main
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American/Mexican