Bold, zesty, and full of flavor, Spicy Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant twist on classic tacos, bringing together tender, seasoned shrimp with fresh toppings and a creamy, spicy sauce. Wrapped in soft corn or flour tortillas and finished with a squeeze of lime, these tacos are a perfect combination of heat and freshness. Ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or taco nights, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress seafood lovers.
Ingredient
For the Spicy Shrimp:
| Large Shrimp | 1 lb (450g) |
|---|---|
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | ¼ teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Cabbage | 2 cups (shredded) |
|---|---|
| Red Onion, thinly sliced | ¼ cup (25g) |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and Pepper | A pinch |
For the Creamy Sauce & Assembly:
| Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt | ¼ cup (60g) |
|---|---|
| Fresh Lime Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Small Flour or Corn Tortillas | 8 |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | A handful |
| Sliced Avocado (optional) | 1 medium |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw and Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and thinly sliced red onion. Toss with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Spicy Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Toss the shrimp with the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them for 15 seconds.
- Lay out the tortillas. On each tortilla, place a spoonful of the creamy slaw.
- Add 3-4 cooked shrimp on top of the slaw.
- Drizzle the creamy sauce over the shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and any other desired toppings like sliced avocado.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the tacos immediately while the shrimp are still hot.
Extra Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tacos
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they're done. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- The Slaw is Key: The cool, crunchy slaw provides a fantastic contrast to the spicy shrimp. Don't skip it!
- Corn vs. Flour: For a more authentic Mexican flavor, use corn tortillas. For a softer, more pliable taco, use flour.
Nutritional Value
Approximate (per taco, based on 8 tacos)
| Calories | 250-350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15-20 grams |
| Fat | 10-15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30 grams |
| Fiber | 2-4 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ High in Lean Protein: Shrimp is low in fat and rich in protein.
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes for busy weeknights.
- ✅ Customizable Toppings: Add slaw, avocado, or cheese to suit your taste.
- ✅ Packed with Flavor: A mix of spices, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce for the ultimate bite.
- ✅ Perfect for Entertaining: Great for taco bars and gatherings.
With juicy shrimp, zesty seasoning, and fresh toppings, Spicy Shrimp Tacos deliver a perfect balance of heat, flavor, and texture in every bite. Whether you serve them for a quick dinner or a festive taco night, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.
Explore more Mexican-inspired recipes, seafood dishes, and quick dinner ideas on our site. Try this Spicy Shrimp Tacos recipe today and spice up your taco game with a dish everyone will love!