There’s nothing quite like a shrimp taco to bring the flavors of the coast to your table.
With tender, juicy shrimp, a zesty slaw, and a refreshing sauce, these shrimp tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend gathering, or whenever you’re craving a fresh, flavorful bite. The balance of savory, spicy, and creamy ingredients will make these tacos the star of any meal. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (mix of red and green if desired)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by prepping your shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the lime juice and toss everything until the shrimp are well coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other components of the dish.
2. Make the Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the slaw dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Set aside in the refrigerator while you cook the shrimp. This slaw not only adds crunch but also a tangy, refreshing bite that balances the flavors of the shrimp perfectly.
3. Prepare the Sauce: For the creamy sauce, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and more hot sauce if you like a kick. This creamy sauce ties all the ingredients together and gives your tacos a velvety finish.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re opaque and cooked through. The shrimp should be nicely seared on the outside but still juicy inside. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this by placing them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the Shrimp Tacos: Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and layer it with a handful of the fresh slaw. Place 3-4 shrimp on top of the slaw, depending on the size of the shrimp and your preferences. Drizzle a generous amount of the creamy sauce over the shrimp, and garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these shrimp tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus. They’re perfect with a side of Mexican rice, chips and salsa, or even a cool, refreshing drink like a margarita or iced tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These shrimp tacos hit all the right notes with their balance of flavors—tender shrimp, crunchy slaw, and creamy sauce—all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. They’re light, yet satisfying, and the fresh ingredients make them feel like a little vacation in each bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner to whip up on a busy weeknight or need something special for taco night, these shrimp tacos are a must-try.
The best part? You can customize them to your liking. Add some diced avocado for extra creaminess, throw in a few jalapeño slices for a spicy kick, or even top them off with some fresh mango salsa for a sweet twist. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, so you can make it your own every time.
These shrimp tacos are a true crowd-pleaser—bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Perfect for taco lovers, seafood fans, or anyone who enjoys a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!
