Shrimp Tacos

These Shrimp Tacos are a quick and delicious meal with juicy shrimp, a creamy cilantro-lime sauce, and crunchy slaw. Whether cooked on the stove or grilled, they’re full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or taco night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp tacos are the ultimate combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients wrapped up in a warm tortilla. The tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp is complemented by a creamy cilantro-lime sauce and crunchy, tangy slaw, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Quick to prepare and easily customizable with your favorite toppings, these shrimp tacos are perfect for a light dinner, taco night, or even a casual gathering. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp Tacos:

• 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (fresh or frozen, thawed)

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 6 to 8 corn or flour tortillas

• Garnishes: avocado, cilantro, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime wedges, mango salsa

For the Slaw and Shrimp Taco Sauce:

• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, peeled

• ½ small jalapeno, seeds and membranes removed

• ¼ cup tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• Zest and juice of 1 large or 2 very small limes (about 2 teaspoons zest and 3 tablespoons juice)

• 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry, then place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, chipotle chili, cumin, and salt. Toss to coat evenly and let rest while preparing the slaw and sauce.

Prepare the Sauce and Slaw:

1. In a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Process until smooth and adjust seasonings to taste.

2. In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with about ½ cup of the sauce. Add more sauce for a creamier slaw. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

Cook the Shrimp:

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the shrimp and sauté for about 4 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through and no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook. Transfer shrimp to a plate immediately.

Warm the Tortillas and Assemble the Tacos:

1. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a 250°F oven while cooking the shrimp.

2. To assemble, place shrimp in each tortilla, then top with the slaw, extra sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other desired toppings such as avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or mango salsa.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8 tacos

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds. For the slaw and sauce, it’s best to serve them fresh, but you can store them for later use.

FAQs

1. Can I grill the shrimp instead of sautéing them?

Yes, grilling the shrimp will add a smoky flavor and is a great alternative to pan-searing. Just skewer the shrimp or use a grill basket to make flipping easier.

2. Can I use a different sauce for the slaw?

You can substitute the Greek yogurt-based sauce with a creamy ranch dressing or a vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter option.

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas give a more traditional taco flavor and texture.

4. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

While the shrimp and slaw are best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce, slaw, and season the shrimp ahead of time. Just cook the shrimp and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve.

5. How can I make these tacos spicier?

You can add more jalapeno to the sauce, sprinkle some chili flakes over the tacos, or use a spicier chipotle chili powder to amp up the heat.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, these shrimp tacos are naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas, which are typically gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients.

7. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

8. Can I make the slaw without cilantro?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with parsley or skip it altogether. The lime and jalapeno will still give the slaw a nice fresh flavor.

9. Can I make the shrimp tacos ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to maintain their tenderness, but you can prep the slaw, sauce, and other toppings in advance.

10. What else can I add to these tacos?

You can add a variety of toppings, such as grilled corn, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or even a bit of shredded cheese for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp Tacos are an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner or taco night, the combination of perfectly seasoned shrimp, creamy cilantro-lime sauce, and crunchy slaw wrapped in soft tortillas is a crowd-pleaser. These tacos are light, satisfying, and customizable with your favorite toppings. They come together quickly and make a deliciously fresh and vibrant meal that everyone will love!

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