Description
Mouthwatering Shrimp Tacos are a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that feel like a mini vacation on a plate—juicy seasoned shrimp, crunchy lime slaw, and a creamy zesty sauce all tucked into warm tortillas. This easy recipe is perfect when you need fresh dinner ideas, taco night inspiration, or an easy recipe that comes together fast for busy evenings, and it’s one of those food ideas you’ll crave again and again for simple dinner ideas at home.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (for slaw)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for slaw)
Pinch of salt (for slaw)
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (for sauce)
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or sriracha
1 teaspoon honey
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
Pinch of salt (for sauce)
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 ripe avocado, sliced
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels, then place them in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated and set aside to marinate while you prepare the slaw and sauce.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil for the slaw, add a pinch of salt, and toss well until everything is coated. Let the slaw rest so it softens slightly and the flavors meld.
3. In a small mixing bowl, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice for the sauce, hot sauce or sriracha, honey, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then taste and adjust seasoning or heat level as desired.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on the first side, until the bottoms are opaque and lightly seared, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until just cooked through and curled. Remove from the heat immediately so the shrimp stay tender.
5. While the shrimp are cooking or resting, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20–30 seconds per side, or directly over a low gas flame for a few seconds, turning often. Keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay soft and warm.
6. To assemble, add a small handful of lime slaw to the center of each warm tortilla. Top with several shrimp, slices of avocado, and a generous drizzle of the creamy taco sauce. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and any extra cilantro. Serve right away.
Notes
For the best sear on the shrimp, make sure they are very dry before adding the oil and spices; excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of caramelize.
If you prefer extra-crunchy slaw, dress only part of it and keep the remaining cabbage and dressing separate until just before serving.
Adjust the spice level easily by changing the amount of cayenne and hot sauce—start mild if serving kids and let adults add more heat at the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 190
Keywords: shrimp tacos,easy dinner,taco night,seafood recipe,weeknight dinner,quick dinner,food ideas