Shrimp tacos mix fresh, zesty, and spicy flavors in warm tortillas. If you want a fast weeknight meal or something to wow your guests, this shrimp taco recipe is perfect. It’s full of bold flavors and easy to make. The seasoned shrimp are crispy and delicious. When you add crunchy slaw and creamy sauce, it makes an irresistible meal.
Ingredients List
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Juice of 1 lime
For the Slaw:
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2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green)
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1/4 cup diced red onion
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
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1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp cumin
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Salt to taste
Other Ingredients:
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8 small corn or flour tortillas
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Sliced avocado (optional)
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Crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
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Lime wedges for serving
Timing
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Preparation time: 15 minutes
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Cooking time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Step-by-step Instructions for Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
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In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, and all seasonings.
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Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly crispy.
Step 2: Make the Slaw
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In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, carrots, and red onion.
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Add lime juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
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Toss everything together and let sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
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Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
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Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
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Add a scoop of slaw to each tortilla.
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Top with cooked shrimp.
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Drizzle with creamy sauce.
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Garnish with avocado, cotija cheese, and lime wedges.
Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Tacos
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Use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture.
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Marinate shrimp for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
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Warm the tortillas before assembling to make them soft and pliable.
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Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more chili powder or hot sauce.
You Can Try These Different Variations
1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Instead of pan-frying, grill the shrimp for a smoky flavor.
2. Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos
Batter and deep-fry the shrimp for crispy, Baja-style tacos.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos
Sauté the shrimp in garlic butter for a rich, savory flavor.
4. Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos
Top with mango salsa for a sweet and tangy twist.
5. Keto Shrimp Tacos
Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to keep it low-carb.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 550mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp before cooking for even seasoning and texture.
2. How do I store leftover shrimp tacos?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp before assembling.
3. What is the best tortilla for shrimp tacos?
Corn tortillas provide an authentic flavor, but flour tortillas work great too.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt for the sauce and skip the cheese.
Conclusion
Shrimp tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love. With a variety of toppings and spice levels to experiment with, you can customize them to your liking. Whether you prefer grilled, crispy, or spicy shrimp tacos, this recipe provides a solid foundation for a delicious dish. Try it today and bring restaurant-quality shrimp tacos to your kitchen.