🌮 Irresistible Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These shrimp tacos are juicy, smoky, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced with creamy sauce and crunchy slaw. They’re quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests!

Tender shrimp are coated in bold spices, pan-seared to perfection, and tucked into warm tortillas. Topped with crisp cabbage slaw and a creamy lime sauce, these tacos are fresh, flavorful, and completely irresistible. Ready in about 30 minutes!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Juice of 1 lime

For the Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage

• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• Salt to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas

• Sliced avocado

• Extra cilantro

• Lime wedges

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice.

2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.

3️⃣ Make the Slaw

In a bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Toss well and set aside.

4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.

5️⃣ Warm the Tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or until warm and pliable.

6️⃣ Assemble the Tacos

Add shrimp to tortillas, top with slaw, drizzle with creamy sauce, and add avocado and cilantro.

Serve immediately with lime wedges.

🔥 Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tacos

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook fast and become rubbery if left too long.

• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

• Warm tortillas properly to prevent cracking.

• For extra flavor, lightly char tortillas over an open flame.

🌶 Variations

• Grilled Shrimp: Skewer and grill 2–3 minutes per side.

• Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or chipotle powder.

• Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps.

• Tropical Twist: Add mango or pineapple salsa.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Q2: What size shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 count per pound) are ideal for juicy, meaty bites.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the slaw and sauce ahead. Cook shrimp fresh for best texture.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

Store shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy-free yogurt and mayo alternatives.