Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Name: Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; Juice of ½ lime; 2 cups shredded cabbage (purple or green); ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey; Salt & pepper to taste; Sliced avocado (optional); Fresh cilantro (optional); Crumbled cotija cheese (optional); Lime wedges (optional); Hot sauce (optional); 6–8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Posted on May 15, 2025

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Craving something fresh, zesty, and absolutely delicious? This Shrimp Tacos Recipe is your new go-to! Packed with juicy shrimp, creamy slaw, and a burst of lime, these tacos come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner. Whether you’re hosting Taco Tuesday or just need a quick dinner fix, these shrimp tacos bring bold flavors without the fuss.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These shrimp tacos are everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal. They’re light, yet filling, with a perfect mix of smoky, spicy, and citrusy flavors. The shrimp cooks in just minutes, and the toppings are totally customizable—think creamy slaw, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of tangy lime crema. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. Best of all? You don’t need fancy ingredients or tons of prep time. Just simple, tasty goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

You won’t need much to whip up these flavorful shrimp tacos. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
Juice of ½ lime

For the slaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage (purple or green)
¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

Sliced avocado
Fresh cilantro
Crumbled cotija cheese
Lime wedges
Hot sauce

For serving:

6–8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Instructions

This recipe is super beginner-friendly and comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get cooking:

Step-by-step:

Season the shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and lime juice. Let them marinate while you prep the slaw.
Make the slaw
In a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage with mayo (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well coated. Set aside.
Cook the shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook!
Warm the tortillas
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds.
Assemble your tacos
Add a scoop of slaw to each tortilla, top with shrimp, then layer on any optional toppings you like—avocado, cilantro, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

Servings and Timing

One of the best parts about this shrimp tacos recipe? It’s quick and crowd-pleasing—perfect for a busy night or casual dinner with friends.

Servings: Makes 6–8 tacos (serves 3–4 people)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a taco night, this recipe is a fast favorite that delivers big flavor in no time!

Tips and Variations

Want to mix things up or tailor the tacos to your taste? Here are some easy ideas:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the shrimp for extra heat.
Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt for the slaw and skip the cotija cheese.
Add crunch: Toss in thinly sliced radishes or pickled red onions for extra texture.
Low-carb option: Serve over lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a lighter version.
Swap the protein: Not a shrimp fan? This seasoning works great with grilled chicken or fish.
More toppings? Try mango salsa, jalapeños, or a drizzle of chipotle sauce for a flavor twist.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store everything so you can enjoy shrimp tacos again tomorrow:

Shrimp: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Slaw: Keep the slaw in a separate container for up to 2 days. Stir before using as it may release some liquid.
Tortillas: Store extra tortillas in a zip-top bag in the fridge. Warm them up in a skillet before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for the best sear.

2. What’s the best kind of shrimp to use?
Medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp work best. Tail-off makes for easier eating.

3. Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-cooking?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side on skewers or a grill pan.

4. How do I make the tacos spicier?
Add cayenne to the seasoning mix, or top with jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or your favorite spicy salsa.

5. Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortillas and check that all other ingredients (like seasonings) are certified gluten-free.

6. What sides go well with shrimp tacos?
Try Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or chips with guac or salsa.

7. Can I meal prep this recipe?
You can! Cook the shrimp and prep the slaw ahead of time—just keep them separate and assemble when ready to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, flavor-packed Shrimp Tacos Recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week! With just a few fresh ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s colorful, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned taco-lover, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Pin1

1 Shares

Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Tacos Recipe