EASY SHRIMP TACOS RECIPE

Picture juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a creamy, tangy sauce and a vibrant slaw that adds the perfect crunch. These aren’t just any tacos; these are Shrimp Tacos that explode with fresh flavors and textures in every bite. Get ready to ditch the boring dinner routine because this recipe is about to become your new go-to for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal!

The Star Ingredients for Shrimp Tacos

Let’s gather everything you need to make these amazing shrimp tacos. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward and easy to find!

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Slaw:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple, or a mix!)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• Lime wedges
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, hot sauce, pickled onions

Easy-Peasy Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! I promise, these Shrimp Tacos are so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. I’ll walk you through each step. Don’t be intimidated!

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear!
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan! You might need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Slaw

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can make this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This can also be made ahead of time.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or directly over a gas flame (my favorite!).
2. Warm them until they are pliable and slightly charred. This usually takes about 30 seconds per side in a skillet or over a gas flame.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

1. Place a few shrimp in each warm tortilla.
2. Top with the slaw and a drizzle of the creamy sauce.
3. Garnish with lime wedges and any other desired toppings, like avocado slices or hot sauce.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Taco Perfection

Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve Shrimp Taco greatness! I’ve learned these from experience, so trust me on this.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Seriously, this is the most important thing. Overcooked shrimp are tough and not very enjoyable. Keep a close eye on them while they’re cooking.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or the creamy sauce. You could also use a spicier chili powder.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the slaw and the creamy sauce a few hours ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine right before serving. You can even marinate the shrimp in the spices ahead of time for even more flavor!
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like pickled onions, diced mango, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
• Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas are more traditional for tacos, but flour tortillas are also delicious. I suggest trying both to see which you prefer!

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Once you master the basic Shrimp Taco recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
• Blackened Shrimp Tacos: Use a blackened seasoning blend on the shrimp for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Salsa Shrimp Tacos: Top the tacos with a fresh pineapple salsa for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Spicy Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos: Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing salsa.

What to Serve with Your Shrimp Tacos

Complete your Shrimp Taco feast with some delicious side dishes! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Mexican Rice
• Black Beans
• Corn on the Cob
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
• A Simple Green Salad

Other Taco Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a taco fanatic like me, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious taco recipes! From chicken to beef to vegetarian options, there’s a taco for everyone.

• Try these Chicken Street Tacos for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Build a Taco Rice Bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.
• For a zesty twist, check out these Lime Chicken Tacos.
• Let your slow cooker do the work with this Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken.
• Enjoy the flavors of summer with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
• Indulge in these Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos for a flavor explosion!

Storing Leftover Shrimp Tacos

While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftover components separately. Store the cooked shrimp, slaw, and creamy sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently before assembling the tacos. Keep in mind that the slaw may become a bit soggy over time.

So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Shrimp Tacos that are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Now go forth and create some taco magic in your kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own. Happy cooking!

Easy Shrimp Tacos

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Shrimp Tacos are a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight. Featuring juicy, seasoned shrimp, a creamy tangy sauce, and a vibrant slaw, they’re an explosion of fresh flavors and textures in every bite. This easy recipe will become your new go-to for taco night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, hot sauce, pickled onions

Instructions

 

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
• In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or over a gas flame until pliable and slightly charred.
• Place a few shrimp in each warm tortilla.
• Top with the slaw and a drizzle of the creamy sauce.
• Garnish with lime wedges and any other desired toppings.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; it’s the most important thing. To spice it up, add cayenne pepper to the shrimp or creamy sauce. You can prep the slaw and creamy sauce ahead of time. Get creative with toppings like pickled onions or diced mango. Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are also delicious. Store leftover shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.