Coastal Shrimp Tacos

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! These **Shrimp Tacos** are an explosion of flavor, featuring succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp, a refreshing cilantro-lime slaw, and creamy fresh avocado, all nestled in a warm, soft tortilla. Forget bland, forget complicated – this is the ultimate easy shrimp taco recipe that promises an unforgettable meal every time. Fast to prepare and bursting with vibrant, zesty flavors, these are, without a doubt, the absolute best shrimp tacos you’ll ever make!

Looking for more taco inspiration? Don’t miss these incredible chicken tacos, delightful vegetarian tacos, innovative Asian-inspired tacos, or hearty quinoa tacos.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

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These Shrimp Tacos Are Becoming A Weekly Obsession!

There are some recipes that just click, and for me, these shrimp tacos are one of them. The inspiration struck unexpectedly when I was whipping up a batch of my signature cilantro lime sauce for another dish. I found myself unable to stop dipping tortilla chips into its creamy, zesty goodness. That’s when it hit me: this sauce had “taco slaw” written all over it!

The idea was simple: combine that irresistible sauce with crunchy shredded cabbage, quick-seared shrimp, and warm tortillas. The result? Pure magic! From the very first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon a winner. My kids, usually discerning eaters, devoured the test batch before I even had a chance to properly plate them. My husband, ever the opportunist, immediately called dibs on any leftovers for his lunch the next day. It’s safe to say these shrimp tacos have officially entered our weekly meal rotation, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs to our dinner table. They’re so quick, so fresh, and so incredibly flavorful, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Why These Shrimp Tacos Will Be Your New Favorite

What makes this shrimp taco recipe truly special? It’s the perfect harmony of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and incredible textures. We’re talking about more than just a quick meal; we’re talking about a culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of the coast right to your kitchen.

• **Effortlessly Fast:** From prep to plate, these delightful tacos can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
• **Flavor-Packed Shrimp:** The shrimp are generously coated in a robust spice blend, ensuring every bite is succulent and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor.
• **Zesty, Creamy Slaw:** Our homemade cilantro-lime slaw isn’t just a topping; it’s a crucial component that adds a refreshing crunch and bright acidity, perfectly complementing the richness of the shrimp.
• **Irresistible Taco Sauce:** A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce ties all the elements together, adding that quintessential “taco truck” flavor that makes these truly addicting.
• **Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients:** Loaded with fresh avocado and crisp cabbage, these tacos are not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a quick and healthy dinner, these shrimp tacos are guaranteed to be a hit!

Essential Ingredients for Your Shrimp Tacos

Crafting the perfect shrimp taco starts with choosing quality ingredients. Our recipe calls for a balanced combination of fresh seafood, vibrant produce, and aromatic spices to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble these incredible tacos:

Ingredient Spotlight: The Perfect Shrimp

Choosing the right shrimp is key to stellar shrimp tacos. For this recipe, we recommend large, raw shrimp (around 45 count per pound), peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking. Patting them thoroughly dry is a crucial step that allows the spices to adhere better and helps achieve a beautiful sear.

Crafting the Irresistible Cilantro-Lime Sauce

This sauce isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor powerhouse that elevates the entire taco experience. Made with a creamy base of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, it gets its vibrant zing from fresh lime juice and zest, pungent garlic, and a generous amount of fresh cilantro. A subtle pinch of cayenne pepper adds a hint of warmth without overwhelming the palate. Blended until silky smooth, this sauce is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!

How To Assemble Your Flavorful Shrimp Tacos

Creating these sensational shrimp tacos is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring such a vibrant and delicious meal to your table.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with a tablespoon of olive oil and your chosen spice mix (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper). Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other components. This brief marinade ensures maximum flavor absorption.
2. Blend the Signature Sauce: In a small blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and a pinch of cayenne. Pulse until the sauce is completely smooth and beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a little more lime for zest or cayenne for heat.
3. Dress the Slaw: Set aside about half of your freshly blended cilantro-lime sauce for drizzling directly onto the assembled tacos. In a separate bowl, toss the remaining sauce with your shredded green cabbage and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice. Mix well until the cabbage is evenly coated. This creates the refreshing and crunchy slaw that balances the richness of the shrimp. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a pat of butter (if using) to the pan. Once shimmering, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp just turn opaque and form a gentle “C” shape. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them rubbery. Remove from heat immediately.
5. Warm the Tortillas & Build Tacos: Warm your corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet, directly over a gas flame for a slight char, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave. Once warm, fill each tortilla generously with a scoop of the zesty cilantro-lime slaw, a few pieces of perfectly cooked shrimp, and thin slices of fresh avocado. Finish with a final drizzle of the reserved creamy sauce and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice for that perfect burst of brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Crafting the Perfect Shrimp Tacos

Elevate your shrimp taco game with these expert tips and tricks:

• **Always Pat Shrimp Dry:** This is crucial! Before seasoning, use paper towels to thoroughly pat both sides of your shrimp dry. This helps the spices adhere better and ensures a beautiful sear, preventing the shrimp from steaming in the pan.
• **Avoid Overcooking Shrimp:** Shrimp cook very quickly. Watch them carefully: they’re perfectly done when they curl into a gentle “C” shape and turn opaque. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re likely overcooked and will be rubbery. A quick 2-3 minutes per side is usually all it takes.
• **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than seared shrimp, which won’t develop that delicious crust.
• **Master Tortilla Warming:** Warm tortillas are essential for flavor and pliability. Use a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 15-30 seconds per side until lightly pliable and slightly toasted. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• **Double the Sauce:** This cilantro-lime sauce is incredibly versatile. Double the batch! It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and is fantastic on salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a dip for chips.
• **Fresh Lime is Your Friend:** Always have extra lime wedges on hand for serving. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos brightens all the flavors and adds a burst of freshness.

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Rated 4.92 from 102 votes

Shrimp Tacos

By
Chelsea Lords

Seasoned shrimp, zesty cilantro-lime slaw, and fresh avocado all wrapped up in a tortilla—these Shrimp Tacos are ready in 30 minutes and perfect for a quick, flavorful meal!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
12 small tacos (serves 4)

Equipment

• Large pan
• Small blender or food processor

Ingredients

Shrimp

• 1 pound medium shrimp about 45 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or use additional olive oil
• 1 to 2 limes optional, for serving
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 large avocado thinly sliced
• Corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
• Cooking spray optional, for warming tortillas

Cilantro Lime Sauce

• 2 limes
• 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon
• 1/2 of a large bunch cilantro 1 cup loosely packed
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped jalapeño remove seeds for less spice
• 1/2 cup mayo regular, full fat
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Shrimp Preparation

1. Thoroughly pat both sides of the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can marinate them for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing. Sauté until the shrimp just turn pink and curl into a gentle ‘C’ shape, flipping halfway through, typically 2–4 minutes total depending on their size. Remove the cooked shrimp from the heat and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut off the tails if desired. For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the warm shrimp.

Cilantro-Lime Sauce Creation

1. Zest one lime to get about 1 teaspoon of zest, then juice both limes to yield approximately 4 tablespoons of juice. In a small blender or a mini food processor, combine all the sauce ingredients: fresh lime zest and juice, minced garlic, half a large bunch of cilantro (about 1 cup loosely packed), coarsely chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat), regular full-fat mayonnaise, sour cream, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference. Refrigerate the sauce until you are ready to assemble the tacos.

Taco Assembly

1. Remove about 1/2 cup of the prepared cilantro-lime sauce and combine it with the shredded green cabbage in a medium bowl. Toss thoroughly until the cabbage is well coated, creating your vibrant and crunchy slaw.
2. Optional step for warming tortillas: Lightly spray both sides of your corn or flour tortillas with cooking spray. Grill them on the stovetop over an open gas flame (using tongs) until they are slightly charred and pliable. Alternatively, you can warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds, or heating them in a dry skillet for 15-30 seconds per side.
3. To assemble your tacos, take a warm tortilla and fill it with a generous serving of the freshly dressed slaw, several pieces of the perfectly cooked shrimp, and a few thin slices of fresh avocado. Drizzle more of the reserved cilantro-lime sauce on top, and finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice for a final pop of flavor. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Note: Nutritional information provided includes corn tortillas. This is an approximation.

Storage: To ensure freshness and quality, store the spiced shrimp, chopped cabbage (undressed), and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cut the avocado only when you’re ready to assemble and serve your tacos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 253kcal |
Carbohydrates: 16g |
Protein: 10g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 104mg |
Sodium: 476mg |
Potassium: 218mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 171IU |
Vitamin C: 12mg |
Calcium: 102mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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