Name: Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/3 cup sour cream; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice (squeezed from 1 medium lime); 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 3/4 tsp Sriracha sauce (or to taste); 8 white corn tortillas (small, 6” diameter, or Hard Taco Shells); 1/2 small purple cabbage (2 cups shredded); 1 large avocado (pitted, peeled, and diced); 1/2 red onion (diced); 4 oz Cotija cheese (1 cup grated on a box grater); 1/4 bunch cilantro (coarsely chopped); 1 lime (cut into 8 wedges); 1 lb shrimp (medium or large, raw); 1 garlic clove (pressed or minced); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 Tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to make the kind of Shrimp Tacos that will completely win over any crowd—or just make a regular weeknight dinner feel like a celebration! These tacos are all about juicy, perfectly spiced shrimp, crunchy purple cabbage, creamy avocado, and a bright, tangy sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. With a mix of bold flavors and fresh textures, every bite is pure sunshine. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make yet feels a little bit special, these vibrant Shrimp Tacos will quickly become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The genius of these Shrimp Tacos is all in the balance—simple ingredients that each bring something special, from color to kick. Here’s what to gather, along with a few tips to make every element shine.

Sour cream: Adds essential creaminess to the zippy taco sauce, smoothing out bold flavors.
Mayonnaise: Rich and silky, it creates that deliciously velvety base for your sauce.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed, it brightens everything up with an irresistible tang!
Garlic powder: Delivers subtle savory notes that cozy right in with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Sriracha sauce: The perfect spicy kick; add more or less to tune the heat to your liking.
White corn tortillas: Soft and toasty, these little rounds soak up all the good stuff (hard taco shells work if you prefer crunch!).
Purple cabbage: Thinly shredded, it lends beautiful color and a crisp bite.
Avocado: Adds creamy richness—dice it just before serving so it stays bright green.
Red onion: For tang and bite, plus a pop of color to every taco.
Cotija cheese: Briny and crumbly, it’s the perfect sprinkle-on finish for Shrimp Tacos.
Cilantro: Coarsely chopped, it brings fresh, herbal flavor to lighten everything.
Lime wedges: A squeeze at the end wakes up every other ingredient.
Shrimp (raw): The star of the show! Medium or large work best for bite-size tacos.
Garlic clove: Pressed or minced, it seasons the shrimp for an aromatic boost.
Sea salt: Pulls out the natural flavors in your shrimp and balances everything.
Black pepper: For a little warmth and earthy depth in the spice blend.
Ground cumin: Adds a subtle smokiness and earthiness to the seasoning.
Cayenne pepper: Brings a whisper of heat to make your shrimp pop.
Olive oil: Needed for a quick, perfectly golden sear on the shrimp.

How to Make Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce

Let’s get the flavor party started. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and Sriracha sauce. This creamy, zesty sauce is what makes Shrimp Tacos so irresistible—go ahead and taste as you mix, adjusting the Sriracha if you want it bolder. If you have a squeeze bottle, transfer the sauce into it for easy drizzling later, and set aside so those flavors can meld while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Prep the Toppings

A little color and crunch goes a long way! Thinly slice your purple cabbage, dice up the avocado, and finely chop that bright red onion. Roughly chop your cilantro for a fresh, herbal punch. Putting your toppings in little bowls not only makes taco assembly a breeze but also looks festive on your serving table.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Thaw the shrimp if needed, then dry them well with paper towels—this is the secret to getting a lovely golden sear. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl. Add the pressed or minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Toss everything together so each shrimp gets coated in those vibrant, aromatic spices. The seasoning brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and gives your tacos their craveable depth.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your shrimp in a single layer; you want them to sear, not steam, so don’t crowd the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque and lightly golden with pink and red accents. The moment they’re cooked through, get them out of the pan and onto a plate—overcooked shrimp are rubbery, so timing is everything!

Step 5: Heat the Tortillas

Warm tortillas take your Shrimp Tacos from good to unforgettable. Toast them briefly over a gas flame, lay them on a hot griddle, or use a skillet—just a minute on each side gets them soft, pliable, and lightly toasted. If you’re using hard taco shells, a quick warm in the oven helps keep them crispy.

Step 6: Build and Serve

Here’s where the magic happens! Lay out your warm tortillas and pile on the sautéed shrimp. Top with crunchy cabbage, avocado cubes, red onion, Cotija cheese, and cilantro. Finish with a generous drizzle of your homemade sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime. Every bite explodes with flavor and texture—the kind that makes you crave another before you’ve finished the first.

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish. A scattering of fresh cilantro, some extra crumbles of Cotija, and a wedge of lime on the side make your Shrimp Tacos both inviting and vibrant. Add a few extra squirts of the creamy taco sauce for that truly restaurant-style finish!

Side Dishes

A side of simple black beans, cilantro-lime rice, or crunchy tortilla chips and salsa pairs perfectly with these tacos for a complete meal. Even a quick mango or pineapple salsa is a fun and colorful way to add a sweet-spicy twist. Trust me, the sides give you an excuse to linger at the table just a little longer.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay out all the toppings and sauces in little bowls for a make-your-own Shrimp Tacos bar—guests will love building their dream taco. Or, for something playful, serve mini tacos as appetizers. Stack them on a platter for parties, or nestle them into a taco holder to showcase those gorgeous colors and keep everything tidy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra shrimp or toppings, store each component separately in airtight containers. The shrimp will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. Keep your cabbage crisp in a paper towel–lined container, and save any leftover sauce in a jar for future taco nights or bolder salads.

Freezing

While most toppings are best fresh, cooked shrimp freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then spread on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from clumping together. When you’re craving quick Shrimp Tacos, just thaw and reheat.

Reheating

Warm leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave to avoid overcooking. Give tortillas a quick toast just like before, and you’re back to taco night in no time. Just assemble with fresh toppings!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Tacos?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This gives you the same juicy, flavorful result as fresh shrimp.

What if I don’t have Cotija cheese?

No worries—you can substitute feta or even goat cheese for a similar salty, crumbly texture. Or skip the cheese for a dairy-free version; these Shrimp Tacos are still packed with flavor.

How spicy are these Shrimp Tacos?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the Sriracha in the sauce and a hint of cayenne with the shrimp. Want more kick? Add extra Sriracha or diced jalapeños! Prefer things mild? Just go lighter on the spice.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of sautéing?

Definitely! Toss the seasoned shrimp onto a hot grill for about 2 minutes per side—it adds a fantastic smoky flavor that works beautifully with the other taco components.

What’s the best way to keep tortillas warm for serving?

Stack your warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel, wrap them up, and place them in a covered dish or tortilla warmer. This keeps them soft and steamy until you’re ready to assemble your Shrimp Tacos.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried these Shrimp Tacos, don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite dinner fix. They’re fresh, fast, and bursting with flavor in every single bite. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and get ready for taco night done right!

Shrimp Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will surely impress your taste buds. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh toppings, and a zesty taco sauce wrapped in warm corn tortillas creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside for the flavors to meld. Transfer to a squeeze bottle if desired.
Prep the Toppings: Thinly slice cabbage, dice the avocado, finely dice the red onion, and coarsely chop the cilantro. Arrange toppings in small bowls for easy serving.
Season the Shrimp: Thaw and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels and place in a medium bowl. Add seasonings and garlic and stir to combine.
Cook the Shrimp: Place a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté 1-2 minutes per side or just until cooked through. Transfer to a serving platter and set aside to cool.
Heat the Tortillas: Toast the tortillas over a gas flame, on a griddle, or in a skillet.
To Serve: Build tacos by arranging toppings and shrimp over each toasted tortilla. Serve drizzled with the taco sauce.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Sriracha sauce in the taco sauce.
Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like mango salsa or pickled red onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sauté, Toast
Cuisine: Mexican