Shrimp Tacos

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

Garlic lime sauce, seasoned, and cabbage slaw preparation

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.
Warming tortillas, cooking shrimp, and assembling tacos

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
Shrimp tacos topped with avocado, red onion, and cotija cheese

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 tortillasCorn 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.

Shrimp tacos with charred tortillas and creamy sauce on the side

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.

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Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Lime Sauce

Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Lime Sauce


  • Author: Navy Sinclair
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix cabbage with 3 tablespoons of the garlic lime sauce. Toss and refrigerate.
  4. Warm tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet until lightly charred. Keep warm in a clean cloth.
  5. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp about 4 minutes, flipping once, until pink and opaque.
  6. To assemble, layer cabbage slaw on tortillas, top with shrimp, avocado slices, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
  7. 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

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