Vibrant, zesty, and absolutely irresistible, Shrimp Tacos are the kind of dish that just begs to be shared with friends over laughter and sunshine. Succulent shrimp are perfectly seasoned and nestled into warm corn tortillas, complemented by crisp cabbage, creamy avocado, and a flurry of tangy toppings. Every bite delivers a fiesta of texture and flavor, making Shrimp Tacos an all-time favorite for quick weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or anytime you need a taste of summer on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple the ingredients for these Shrimp Tacos are—but don’t let that fool you! Each one plays a special role in creating a taco that’s bursting with color, crunch, and that signature Mexican flavor we all crave.
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The juicy, tender star of the show, shrimp cook in minutes and soak up all the bold seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a luscious richness to the shrimp, helping the spices stick and infusing every bite with flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a warm, earthy heat that makes your shrimp pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that deepens the flavor and makes these tacos stand out.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds a toasty, aromatic note—essential for that classic taco flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory taste and ties all the spices together.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Works in the background to add mild sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Brings everything together and lets the natural flavors shine.
- 8 small corn tortillas: Soft and ever-so-slightly chewy, corn tortillas let the fillings be the hero.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Crunchy and fresh, cabbage adds the perfect contrast to the tender shrimp.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: A must for a burst of herby brightness (if you love it, be generous!).
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: For a gentle bite and gorgeous pop of color.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Creamy and rich, avocado perfectly balances the flavors and textures.
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese: A salty, tangy finish that melts into the warm tortilla.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: A good squeeze of lime wakes up every ingredient and brings the tacos to life.
- Optional crema or sour cream for topping: Adds silky tang and coolness—especially if you go big on the spice!
How to Make Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything until the shrimp are fully coated. This is where most of the magic happens—the spices seep in and guarantee every bite of your Shrimp Tacos is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, and once it’s hot, arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and slightly curled. They’ll cook fast, so keep an eye out—you want them plump and juicy, not rubbery.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp are sizzling, gently warm your corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side (for that toasty aroma!), or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a burst. Warm tortillas are key—they make assembling and eating Shrimp Tacos so much more satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp Tacos
Now comes the fun part! Lay out a tortilla, pile on the hot shrimp, and top with a refreshing mix of shredded cabbage, red onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese. Add a drizzle of crema or sour cream if you’re craving extra richness. Don’t forget to finish with a squeeze of lime—your taste buds will thank you.
How to Serve Shrimp Tacos
Garnishes
The best Shrimp Tacos always come with a vibrant selection of toppings. Classic choices like sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, red onion, and cotija cheese add color, texture, and heaps of flavor. A wedge of lime on the side means everyone can give their taco a refreshing citrusy finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, think about a drizzle of chipotle mayo or a scattering of pickled jalapeños for some heat!
Side Dishes
Round out your Shrimp Tacos with sides that match the vibe. A simple Mexican street corn salad, tangy slaw, or creamy black beans are all perfect partners. For something heartier, serve with cilantro-lime rice or crispy plantain chips for the ultimate taco night spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little playful, try serving Shrimp Tacos “bar-style” with all the fillings and toppings arranged in colorful bowls so everyone can build their own masterpiece. For a light, low-carb twist, swap tortillas for crisp lettuce cups. And for parties, use mini tortillas or tostada rounds to create adorable bite-sized versions that vanish fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Shrimp Tacos (lucky you!), separate the cooked shrimp and toppings from the tortillas to prevent sogginess. Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep your toppings fresh in their own containers so you can quickly reassemble when hunger strikes.
Freezing
While tortillas and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, the shrimp are freezer-friendly! After cooking, cool the shrimp completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat—your future taco craving will thank you.
Reheating
For best results, reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them juicy. You can also microwave in short bursts, but be mindful not to overcook. Warm fresh tortillas right before assembling for that just-made taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Tacos?
Absolutely—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Fresh or frozen, what matters most is that the shrimp aren’t overcooked, so keep an eye on them!
What’s the best substitute for cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a delicious alternative. Both a crumbly, salty delight that enhances Shrimp Tacos perfectly, and they’re easy to find in most supermarkets.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-cooking?
Definitely! Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The grill adds a beautiful char and smoky flavor that makes Shrimp Tacos even more irresistible.
How do I make these tacos spicier?
To turn up the heat, add extra chili powder to the shrimp seasoning or top the tacos with thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chipotle hot sauce. You control the spice level, so make them as mild or fiery as you like.
Are there low-carb options for this recipe?
For a lighter, low-carb version, skip the tortillas and use lettuce cups as your “wrap.” You’ll still get all those amazing Shrimp Taco flavors, just with an extra fresh, crunchy twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like Shrimp Tacos to brighten up any meal—from busy weeknights to celebratory weekends. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing, they bring a little fiesta to the table every time. Give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and fun taco night can be!
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Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These flavorful shrimp tacos are a perfect meal for taco night. Juicy shrimp seasoned with a blend of spices, topped with fresh ingredients, and wrapped in warm corn tortillas. A delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Optional: crema or sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas. Fill each tortilla with shrimp, shredded cabbage, red onion, avocado slices, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Drizzle with crema or sour cream if desired.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo for extra spice.
- For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups instead of tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
