Light, bold, and irresistibly good, these shrimp tacos come together in just minutes and deliver restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Juicy shrimp seasoned to perfection, tucked into warm tortillas, and topped with a refreshing slaw and creamy sauce — this is the ultimate easy dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
For the slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
For the sauce:
- ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To assemble:
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Season the shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the rest. - Make the slaw:
Combine cabbage, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Toss well and set aside. - Prepare the sauce:
Whisk together sour cream, mayo, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Cook the shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred. - Warm the tortillas:
Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. - Assemble the tacos:
Layer the tortillas with slaw, shrimp, a drizzle of the sauce, and any additional toppings you like.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available—just thaw them first.
- Add a mango salsa or pineapple chunks for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier sauce option.
- These tacos are great with corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor.
What to Serve With
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Cilantro lime rice
- Chips and guacamole
- A cold margarita or limeade
Final Thoughts
These quick shrimp tacos prove that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. They’re customizable, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.