Camarones al Ajillo Tacos or easy Garlic Shrimip Tacos Recipe filled with plump shrimp simmered in garlic butter and a hint of mild chile guajillo. Stuff them into a warm tortilla with fresh avocado, pickled onion or your favorite taco garnishes for a quick dinner idea.
This Garlic Shrimp Tacos uses our delicious Camarones al Ajillo recipe. If you love seafood, this recipe is right for you. This will quickly become a favorite Taco Recipe.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Deliciousness! The number one reason you will love this recipe is that it is delicious! Plump tender shrimp with garlic butter and mild chiles wrapped in a warm soft flour tortilla. How does it get better than that?
The very close second reason is how easy these shrimp are to make. The shrimp are sautéd in the garlic butter for only a few minutes on each side. TIP: be sure to have everything ready BEFORE you put the shrimp in the pan... that's how fast this is.
You can add other kinds of shell fish (crab, lobster or what ever you have) Shrimp and seafood tacos are perfect with these fresh flavors, such as garlic, parsley, and lime juice. Serve them on warm tortillas with sliced avocado, and don't forget your favorite taco sauce or salsa.
These Camarones al Ajillo Tacos make a great main dish and easy dinner idea. I like to serve them with authentic Mexican side dishes like refried black beans or this fluffy Cilantro Avocado Rice (also known as Green Goddess Rice).
Ingredients to make Camarones al Ajillo Tacos
- Butter and olive oil are needed to make this Mexican shrimp; they provide a nice, balanced flavor. However, you could use only one of them, and the recipe will work the same.
- Garlic cloves are a must in this recipe. They enhance the seafood taste, so don't skip them.
- Guajillo chiles provide a mild spice kick; you can replace them with stronger Arbol chilies.
- Medium or large shrimp will work for this recipe. You'll need to shell and devein them before using them, or you can simply buy them ready to use.
- Salt: Use a good quality sea salt for best results.
- Fresh parsley provides a fresh touch to this flavorful shrimp.
- Fresh lime juice: adds some tanginess that enhances the overall flavor of shrimp.
- Flour tortillas: You can use flour or corn tortillas, whichever goes best for you.
- Avocado: A creamy and ripe avocado matches beautifully with garlic shrimp.
- A delicious salsa such as our Fresh Tomato Salsa, Corn Salsa Chipotle Lime, or Salsa Verde.
How to make Garlic Shrimp Tacos
Cut off the chilies' stems, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel, and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and chop into small, even pieces. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. (here is an Amazon link to the sauté/frying pan I use).
Add the butter and let it melt completely, then pour in the olive oil and stir to combine.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.
Stir in the chopped chilies and cook for 2 minutes, until the oil turns slightly red and the chilies begin to crisp. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent over-browning.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, without overcrowding. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. They’re done when they turn opaque with a pinkish hue and feel firm (but not tough). Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery and shrink.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle in about ¼ teaspoon of salt and the chopped parsley, then toss to coat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and give everything a final stir.
Warm the corn tortillas, place about 3 shrimp in each, and top with a slice or two of avocado. Serve with your favorite salsa on the side and enjoy.
Ways to serve Camarones al Ajillo
One of the best things about Camarones al Ajillo is how versatile it is. The buttery garlic sauce pairs amazingly with so many sides, so you can easily adapt it for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests. Here are some tasty ideas to try:
- Served with steamed rice: White rice, coconut rice, or cilantro-lime rice all soak up the garlicky sauce perfectly.
- Served with pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine or spaghetti for a quick seafood pasta.
- With crusty bread: Ideal for dipping into that irresistible garlic-butter sauce.
- On a fresh salad – A bed of greens with a light vinaigrette makes a fresh, vibrant base.
Camarones al ajillo Tacos
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic roughly minced
- 1 or 2 guajillo chilies
- 1.5 lb medium or large shrimp
- salt to taste
- ½ cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
- 1 lime
- 12 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 or 2 large avocados
- salsa of choice
Instructions
- Cut off chilies stems, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel, then slice in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and chop into small, even pieces. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, then pour in the olive oil and stir to combine. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Stir in the chopped chilies and cook for 2 minutes, until the oil turns slightly red and the chilies begin to crisp. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent over-browning.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, without overcrowding. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. They’re done when they turn opaque with a pinkish hue and feel firm (but not tough). Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery and shrink.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle in about ¼ teaspoon of salt and the chopped parsley, then toss to coat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and give everything a final stir.
- Warm the tortillas, place about 3 shrimp in each, and top with a slice or two of avocado. Serve with your favorite salsa on the side and enjoy.
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