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Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in warm tortillas with smoky spices and fresh toppings - ready in just 20 minutes for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Mexican crema or sour cream

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The spices should coat each piece evenly.
  2. While the shrimp marinates for a few minutes, slice your avocado, dice the red onion, and shred the cabbage. Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns pink and slightly caramelized. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until they're fully pink and cooked through.
  4. Place 3-4 shrimp on each warm tortilla. Top with a handful of crisp cabbage, a few avocado slices, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with Mexican crema and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure proper searing instead of steaming. Don't overcook shrimp - they're done when they curl into a C-shape. Warm tortillas before serving to prevent tearing. Store leftover cooked shrimp in refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently. Budget-friendly substitutions: use frozen shrimp, substitute Greek yogurt for crema, or replace avocado with diced tomatoes.