Spicy Shrimp Tacos
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos are a flavor explosion, combining succulent shrimp with fiery spices and cool, creamy avocado. They are surprisingly simple to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner, easily customizable to your preferred spice level.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Tortilla warmer or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, diced or sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Your favorite hot sauce optional
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce optional
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and squeeze fresh lime juice over them.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
- Fill each tortilla with the spicy shrimp, avocado, cilantro, red onion, and your favorite toppings.
- Drizzle with the creamy cilantro-lime sauce (if using) and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For less spice, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. For a perfect sear, ensure the shrimp is dry and the skillet is hot. The shrimp can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. The creamy cilantro-lime sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Leftover spicy shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.