If you’re craving a flavorful, zesty, and easy-to-make dish, this Prawn Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with smoky, seasoned prawns, tangy lime crema, and a refreshing slaw, these tacos offer a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess. Whether you’re planning a casual taco night or looking for a quick yet satisfying meal, this Prawn Tacos Recipe will impress your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy restaurant-quality tacos in the comfort of your home.
One of the best things about this Prawn Tacos Recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings, swapping prawns for other proteins, or even making it vegetarian with grilled veggies or crispy tofu. The combination of warm tortillas, juicy prawns, and vibrant slaw creates a delightful bite every time. Plus, the tangy lime crema adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the smoky spice of the prawns.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or simply indulging in a taco craving, this Prawn Tacos Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, customizable, and bursting with fresh flavors. Serve it with lime wedges, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your taco repertoire.
Preparation Time for Prawn Tacos Recipe
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
Ingredients for Prawn Tacos Recipe
For the Prawns:
- Prawns (peeled and deveined) – 400g (~400 calories)
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (~240 calories)
- Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves (~14 calories)
- Smoked Paprika – 1 teaspoon (~6 calories)
- Cumin Powder – 1 teaspoon (~8 calories)
- Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon (~4 calories)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Fresh Lime Juice – 1 tablespoon (~4 calories)
For the Slaw:
- Cabbage (shredded) – 2 cups (~44 calories)
- Carrot (grated) – 1 medium (~25 calories)
- Red Onion (thinly sliced) – 1 small (~40 calories)
- Cilantro (chopped) – 2 tablespoons (~2 calories)
- Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons (~200 calories)
- Greek Yogurt – 2 tablespoons (~40 calories)
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (~3 calories)
- Salt and Pepper – To taste (~0 calories)
To make the Lime Crema:
- Sour Cream – ½ cup (~240 calories)
- Lime Juice – 2 tablespoons (~8 calories)
- Lime Zest – 1 teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Garlic Powder – ¼ teaspoon (~1 calorie)
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Fresh Cilantro (chopped) – 1 tablespoon (~1 calorie)
For the Tacos:
- Corn or Flour Tortillas – 8 small (~600 calories)
- Avocado (sliced) – 1 large (~240 calories)
- Jalapeño (sliced, optional) – 1 small (~4 calories)
- Hot Sauce – To taste (~0 calories)
- Lime Wedges – For serving (~8 calories)
Instructions: How to Make Prawn Tacos Recipe
1: Prepare the Slaw
- Combine the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced red onion.
- Add the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well until evenly coated. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the prawns.
2: Make the Lime Crema
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, salt, and cilantro.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Stir until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3: Cook the Prawns
- Season the Prawns: In a bowl, combine the prawns with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the prawns are evenly coated.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the Prawns: Add the seasoned prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the prawns before removing them from the heat.
4: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat the Tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the tortillas for 30-45 seconds per side until soft and lightly charred.
- Keep Warm: Stack the tortillas and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
5: Assemble the Tacos
- Add the Slaw: Spread a generous spoonful of slaw over each tortilla.
- Top with Prawns: Place 3-4 cooked prawns on top of the slaw.
- Drizzle with Crema: Spoon the lime crema over the prawns.
- Add Toppings: Add avocado slices, jalapeño slices (if using), and a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Calorie Breakdown
- Prawns: ~400 calories
- Olive Oil: ~240 calories
- Garlic: ~14 calories
- Spices: ~18 calories
- Lime Juice: ~8 calories
- Slaw: ~354 calories
- Lime Crema: ~490 calories
- Tortillas: ~600 calories
- Avocado: ~240 calories
- Jalapeño and Hot Sauce: ~4 calories
- Lime Wedges: ~8 calories
Total Calories: ~2,376 calories (serves 4; ~594 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold and Zesty Flavors: The smoky, spiced prawns pair perfectly with the tangy lime crema and creamy slaw.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of crunchy slaw and creamy avocado creates a refreshing bite.
- Customizable: Add extra heat, swap the slaw ingredients, or use different tortillas.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, barbecues, or taco nights.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water.
2. Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw up to 4 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. What other toppings can I add?
You can add pickled onions, diced tomatoes, fresh mango salsa, or cotija cheese for extra flavor.
4. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Swap the prawns with grilled chicken, fish, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store the prawns, slaw, and crema separately in airtight containers. Reheat the prawns gently in a skillet before assembling the tacos.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick and Convenient: Perfect for busy nights or spontaneous taco cravings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite toppings or tortillas.
- Healthy and Light: Prawns are lean and packed with protein, making these tacos a nutritious choice.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties or family dinners.