Crispy Harissa Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp-tossed shrimp in a smoky harissa glaze, piled into warm corn tortillas with a refreshing avocado slaw and lime crema. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 32 minutes pairs large shrimp, harissa paste, corn tortillas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 2.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry. Toss with 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt; let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high until hot, add shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, make slaw: Dice avocado and toss with shredded cabbage, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Blend sour cream with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp cumin to make crema; drizzle over assembled tacos.
  6. Step 6: Place 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, top with avocado slaw, and serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Harissa Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Harissa Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Harissa Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Harissa Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Harissa Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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