Shrimp tacos are a fantastic and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Inspired by the hearty and delicious style of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe brings together succulent shrimp with a zesty and comforting touch. While Ree Drummond might be known for her Oklahoma ranch cooking, this shrimp taco recipe captures her spirit of creating satisfying and crowd-pleasing food with simple ingredients.
These aren’t your average shrimp tacos. We’re talking about a dish that’s easy enough to whip up after a busy day, yet special enough to serve when you want to impress. Think tender, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in warm tortillas with a flavorful sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe embraces the Pioneer Woman’s love for robust flavors and generous portions, making it a guaranteed hit with your family and friends.
Close-up of easy simple ingredients for shrimp tacos.
The beauty of these shrimp tacos lies in their simplicity. The ingredient list is straightforward, and the preparation is quick. The most time-consuming part is prepping the shrimp, but even that is a breeze. Once you have your ingredients ready, you’re just minutes away from taco heaven.
Shrimp cooking in a skillet with butter and olive oil.
Let’s start by cooking the shrimp to perfection. Heat a bit of butter and olive oil in a skillet. This combination adds richness and prevents the butter from burning. Add your shrimp and cook them for just a couple of minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. The key is not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
Cooked shrimp cooling on a plate after being sautéed.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest briefly. This allows them to retain their juices and stay tender. While the shrimp are cooling, you can prepare the base for your flavorful taco sauce.
Skillet with butter, olive oil, garlic, and onions sautéing.
In the same skillet, add more butter and olive oil. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and softened. This aromatic base is crucial for building layers of flavor in your taco sauce, reminiscent of the comforting and flavorful dishes Pioneer Woman is known for.
White wine being added to sautéed garlic and onions in a skillet.
Now, for a touch of depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving behind a wonderful layer of flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works just as well.
Tomato sauce being poured into the skillet with wine and onions.
Stir in tomato sauce to create a rich and slightly tangy base for your shrimp taco sauce. The tomato sauce adds body and a touch of sweetness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Heavy cream being added to the tomato sauce in the skillet.
For that signature Pioneer Woman touch of creaminess and indulgence, stir in heavy cream. This transforms the tomato sauce into a luscious and velvety coating for your shrimp, elevating these tacos to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Tomato sauce being poured into the skillet with wine and onions.
Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is the time to adjust the seasoning to your preference – perhaps a pinch of chili powder or cumin for a Southwestern kick, staying true to the spirit of bold flavors often found in Pioneer Woman’s recipes.
Chopped shrimp being added back into the tomato cream sauce.
Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the creamy tomato sauce. Ensure the shrimp are nicely coated in the sauce, soaking up all that wonderful flavor.
Stirring chopped herbs into the shrimp and tomato cream sauce.
Finally, stir in fresh herbs like parsley and basil to brighten up the flavors and add a touch of freshness. Cilantro would also be a fantastic addition for a more traditional taco vibe.
Finished shrimp and tomato cream sauce ready to be served in tacos.
Now it’s time to assemble your Pioneer Woman inspired shrimp tacos! Warm your favorite tortillas – corn or flour, depending on your preference. Spoon the creamy shrimp mixture into the tortillas and add your favorite taco toppings. Consider shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream.
Serving suggestion of shrimp penne, visually similar to serving shrimp tacos.
Enjoy these delicious and easy shrimp tacos, a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Inspired by the hearty and flavorful cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, these shrimp tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of home-style comfort to your table.
