Shrimp tacos are the perfect mix of savory, spicy, and tangy, making them a go-to dish for any taco lover. This recipe features juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a creamy garlic lime sauce wrapped in warm tortillas. If you’re craving a flavorful, easy-to-make meal, this shrimp taco recipe is for you.
If you love bold, fresh flavors, these Shrimp Tacos will become your new go-to meal. For another savory experience, try our Chicken Marsala – a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Loaded with fresh, vibrant flavors
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or parties
- Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free
Ingredients You’ll Need For Shrimp Tacos
The Garlic Lime Sauce
- Fresh lime zest and juice (2 limes)
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 1/4 cups)
- Minced cilantro (1/4 cup)
- Jalapeño, finely diced (optional, 1/4 to 1)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (3/4 teaspoon)
The Shrimp
- Peeled and deveined shrimp (about 1 pound)
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Chipotle chili powder (1/4 teaspoon)
The Tacos
- Thinly shredded cabbage (2 cups)
- Corn or flour tortillas (12 small)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Shrimp Tacos

Prepare the Garlic Lime Sauce
- Blend Greek yogurt, lime zest and juice, jalapeño, garlic powder, salt, and cilantro until smooth.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Marinate the Shrimp
- In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and chipotle chili powder.
- Toss well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Cabbage Slaw
- Mix shredded cabbage with 3 tablespoons of garlic lime sauce.
- Toss until coated and refrigerate.

Warm the Tortillas For Shrimp Tacos
- Heat tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet until lightly charred.
- Wrap them in a clean cloth to keep warm.
Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large pan with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for about 4 minutes, flipping once, until opaque and pink.
Assemble Your Shrimp Tacos
- Layer cabbage slaw onto warm tortillas.
- Add shrimp and top with avocado slices, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with garlic lime sauce and serve with lime wedges.
Best Sides to Serve with Shrimp Tacos
What to serve with shrimp tacos: Shrimp tacos pair well with Mexican rice, black bean salad, grilled corn, and guacamole. These side dishes complement the flavors and make a complete meal.
Best Side Dishes:
- Mexican Rice – A classic pairing
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Adds freshness
- Black Bean Salad – A protein-packed option
- Grilled Corn – Sweet and smoky
- Guacamole & Chips – A must-have appetizer

Expert Tips & Variations
- Make it crispy – Lightly coat shrimp in flour before cooking.
- Spicier tacos? – Add more jalapeño or hot sauce.
- Low-carb option – Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Best tortillas – Corn tortillas offer an authentic taste, while flour tortillas are softer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes. Thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q2: What’s the best way to cook shrimp for tacos?
A: A quick sear in a hot pan ensures juicy, tender shrimp. Avoid overcooking.
Q3: How do I store and reheat leftover shrimp tacos?
A: Store ingredients separately and reheat shrimp in a pan for the best texture.
Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes. Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt or avocado crema.
Q5: Are shrimp tacos gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use corn tortillas.

These Shrimp Tacos Recipe are a delicious, fresh, and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or a party, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out and let us know what toppings you love.
Done with your tacos but craving something creative and healthy? Check out our Cauliflower Pizza Crust – a guilt-free, satisfying option that pairs well with any meal.
What’s your favorite taco topping? Drop a comment below.
Print
Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Lime Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These shrimp tacos bring together bold spices, creamy garlic lime sauce, and crisp cabbage slaw, all wrapped in a warm tortilla for a fresh and zesty meal that’s ready in a flash.
Ingredients
- 2 limes, zested and juiced
- 1 1/4 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Blend Greek yogurt, lime zest and juice, jalapeño, garlic powder, salt, and cilantro until smooth for the garlic lime sauce. Store in an airtight container and chill.
- Combine shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and chipotle chili powder in a bowl. Toss well and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Mix cabbage with 3 tablespoons of the garlic lime sauce. Toss and refrigerate.
- Warm tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet until lightly charred. Keep warm in a clean cloth.
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp about 4 minutes, flipping once, until pink and opaque.
- To assemble, layer cabbage slaw on tortillas, top with shrimp, avocado slices, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with garlic lime sauce and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
To turn up the heat, add extra jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. For a lower-carb twist, serve in lettuce cups instead of tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: shrimp tacos, garlic lime sauce, taco recipe, easy dinner, seafood tacos