Shrimp tacos are a quick, fresh, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. These tacos feature juicy, seasoned shrimp, a zesty slaw, and a creamy sauce—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos
✅ Fast & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes!
✅ Healthy & Flavorful – Packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
✅ Customizable – Adjust spice levels, toppings, and tortillas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
For the Slaw:
2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ jalapeño (finely diced, optional)
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp honey
For Serving:
8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
1 avocado (sliced)
Crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
Extra lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season & Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Slaw
In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Drizzle with lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and honey.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or until warm and slightly charred.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Layer the slaw on warm tortillas.
Add the cooked shrimp.
Drizzle with the creamy sauce.
Top with sliced avocado and cotija cheese.
Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Check out: Simple Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe
Tips for the Best Shrimp Tacos
✔ Use fresh shrimp – If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
✔ Don’t overcook shrimp – They only need 2-3 minutes per side to stay juicy.
✔ Char the tortillas – This adds extra flavor and prevents them from breaking.
✔ Make it spicier – Add more hot sauce, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos?
Pair your tacos with:
🥑 Guacamole & Chips – A classic combo!
🌽 Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn with cotija cheese.
🥗 Black Bean & Avocado Salad – A fresh and healthy side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely, pat dry, and follow the seasoning and cooking steps.
2. What’s the best tortilla for shrimp tacos?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work great too. If using corn, warm them to prevent breaking.
3. Can I make these tacos dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and omit the cheese.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Shrimp: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Slaw & Sauce: Keep separate for freshness.
Tortillas: Reheat before serving.
5. Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Yes! Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Final Thoughts
These easy shrimp tacos are the perfect mix of flavor, freshness, and texture. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or a fun gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Try them today and let us know how you like them! 🌮✨
Read more: Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli
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Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Shrimp Tacos are packed with juicy, flavorful shrimp, topped with a creamy slaw, and wrapped in warm tortillas for a quick and delicious meal. Ready in 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for taco night, a light dinner, or a fun gathering with friends. Pair them with your favorite toppings like avocado, fresh lime, and cilantro for an irresistible dish!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayo
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Let it marinate for 5 minutes.Make the Slaw:
In a bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt (or mayo), lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat.Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas and fill each with shrimp, slaw, avocado slices (if using), and chopped cilantro.Serve & Enjoy:
Serve immediately with lime wedges for extra zest!
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Swap the slaw for mango salsa for a sweet and spicy twist.
- These tacos pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side of guacamole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings (8 tacos)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: Shrimp Tacos, Easy Tacos, Mexican Shrimp Recipe, Healthy Shrimp Tacos