These Shrimp Tacos are a mouthwatering blend of juicy, seasoned shrimp, crisp slaw, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner recipe, these tacos come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a festive Taco Tuesday celebration. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this shrimp taco recipe will become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos
- Bursting with Flavor: Tender shrimp seasoned with spices, paired with a creamy and spicy shrimp taco sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—a perfect dinner recipe for hectic days.
- Healthy & Delicious: Shrimp is a lean protein, and the fresh toppings provide essential nutrients.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap out toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Shrimp Tacos
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings:
- 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
- 1 cup purple cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Shrimp Taco Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
How to Make Shrimp Tacos
1: Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Thaw the shrimp if frozen and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
2: Prepare the Toppings
While the shrimp are cooking, prep your toppings:
- Slice the cabbage thinly.
- Dice the avocado and red onion.
- Crumble the cotija cheese.
- Chop fresh cilantro and cut lime wedges.
3: Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and sriracha sauce until smooth.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
4: Warm the Tortillas
- Warm tortillas by either lightly charring them over an open flame or heating them in a dry skillet until golden brown.
5: Assemble the Shrimp Tacos
- Place a few cooked shrimp on each tortilla.
- Add a generous amount of slaw, avocado, and red onion.
- Drizzle with the homemade shrimp taco sauce.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp Size Matters: Medium to large shrimp work best for tacos.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper and sriracha.
- Tortilla Options: Use flour tortillas or hard taco shells if you prefer a different texture.
- Grill Option: For a smoky twist, grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp tacos are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mexican Rice: A classic accompaniment to complete the meal.
- Black Beans: Adds fiber and protein for a balanced dinner.
- Fresh Salsa: Try a homemade pico de gallo for a refreshing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep the shrimp taco sauce and toppings in advance to save time.
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave. Heat tortillas before serving.
FAQs About Shrimp Tacos
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw the shrimp under cold water for a few minutes before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a lighter shrimp taco sauce.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
4. How do I prevent soggy tacos?
Assemble tacos right before serving to keep the tortillas crisp.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars Recipe
- Best Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Jambalaya Recipe
Conclusion
These shrimp tacos deliver bold flavors, satisfying textures, and are incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a Taco Tuesday dinner or looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner recipe, this shrimp taco recipe is guaranteed to impress. Customize the toppings, adjust the heat, and enjoy every bite of these irresistible tacos!
Easy and Flavorful Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These Shrimp Tacos are a mouthwatering blend of juicy, seasoned shrimp, crisp slaw, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner recipe, these tacos come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a festive Taco Tuesday celebration. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this shrimp taco recipe will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 8 small corn tortillas or flour tortillas if preferred
- 1 cup purple cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Shrimp Taco Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce adjust for heat preference
Instructions
Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Thaw the shrimp if frozen and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Toppings
- While the shrimp are cooking, prep your toppings:
- Slice the cabbage thinly.
- Dice the avocado and red onion.
- Crumble the cotija cheese.
- Chop fresh cilantro and cut lime wedges.
Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and sriracha sauce until smooth.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
Warm the Tortillas
- Warm tortillas by either lightly charring them over an open flame or heating them in a dry skillet until golden brown.
Assemble the Shrimp Tacos
- Place a few cooked shrimp on each tortilla.
- Add a generous amount of slaw, avocado, and red onion.
- Drizzle with the homemade shrimp taco sauce.
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Shrimp Size Matters: Medium to large shrimp work best for tacos.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper and sriracha.
- Tortilla Options: Use flour tortillas or hard taco shells if you prefer a different texture.
- Grill Option: For a smoky twist, grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
