These Shrimp Tacos are loaded with perfectly seasoned shrimp, cilantro-lime slaw, and fresh avocado, all packed into a tortilla. These are the absolute best!
Next try these chicken tacos, vegetarian tacos, Asian tacos, or quinoa tacos.
author’s note
These Shrimp Tacos Are Becoming A Weekly Occurance!
I whipped up a batch of my go‑to cilantro lime sauce for another recipe and could not stop dipping chips into it. The creamy, zesty mix had “taco slaw” written all over it, so I grabbed a bag of shredded cabbage, tossed in the sauce, and folded the slaw into warm tortillas with quick‑seared shrimp.
One bite and I knew I had a winner. My kids polished off the first test batch before I even set the plates down, and my husband called dibs on the leftovers for work the next day.
Ingredients In Shrimp Tacos
| Component | What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb large raw shrimp, 45 count, peeled & deveined | Smaller shrimp work too; reduce cook time |
| Seasoning | Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper | Mix doubles as a quick rub |
| Cilantro‑Lime Slaw | Shredded green cabbage, fresh cilantro, lime juice, a little sauce | Bagged slaw mix saves time |
| Taco Sauce | Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, garlic, pinch of cayenne | Blitz until smooth and creamy |
| Tortillas | Corn or small flour, warmed | Char over gas flame for extra flavor |
| Finishing Touches | Avocado slices or quick guacamole, extra lime wedges, cotija cheese (optional) | Mango salsa is a fun swap for the avocado |
How To Make Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp: Toss shrimp with oil and spice mix. Let sit 15 mins while you prep the rest.
- Blend Sauce: Add yogurt, mayo, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and cayenne to a mini blender. Pulse until silky and bright.
- Dress Slaw: Reserve half the sauce for drizzling. Toss the rest with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime. Chill.
- Sauté: Heat a large skillet over medium‑high. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side.
- Build Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with all the components and sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tacos
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning so the spices stick.
- Stop cooking when the shrimp curl into a gentle C; a tight O means they are overcooked.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Double the sauce—it keeps three days and is great on salads or grilled veggies.
Storage
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Make the sauce and put it in the fridge. It can stay there for 3 days. Marinate the shrimp and keep them in the fridge too, but only for 4-6 hours before cooking.
- Storage: Keep the spiced shrimp, chopped cabbage, and sauce in the fridge. Cut the avocado when you’re ready to eat. Tortillas should be kept in a cool spot or in the fridge if you want them to last longer.
What To Serve With Shrimp Tacos:
Shrimp Tacos
Seasoned shrimp, zesty cilantro-lime slaw, and fresh avocado all wrapped up in a tortilla—these Shrimp Tacos are ready in 30 minutes and perfect for a quick, flavorful meal!
Video
Equipment
- Small blender or food processor
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp about 45 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or use additional olive oil
- 1 to 2 limes optional
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 large avocado thinly sliced
- Corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Cooking spray optional
Instructions
Shrimp
- Pat both sides of the shrimp dry. Toss in a large bowl with garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 8 hours). In a large pan, melt butter and remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
- Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Add shrimp in a single layer and sauté until they just turn pink, flipping halfway, 2–4 minutes total depending on their size. Remove from heat and set on a cutting board. Cut off the tails. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the shrimp.
Cilantro-Lime Sauce
- Zest and juice limes to get 1 teaspoon zest and 4 tablespoons juice. In a small blender or mini food processor, combine all the sauce ingredients. Add salt and pepper (or to taste) and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust to preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble Tacos
- Remove 1/2 cup of cilantro-lime sauce and toss it with the shredded green cabbage to combine.
- Optional: Spray tortillas (both sides) with cooking spray and grill on the stovetop over an open flame until slightly charred. Alternatively, warm tortillas in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel.
- Fill tortillas with a generous serving of slaw, shrimp, and fresh avocado. Drizzle more sauce on top and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Note: Nutritional information includes corn tortillas.
Storage: Store the spiced shrimp, chopped cabbage, and sauce in the fridge. Cut the avocado when you’re ready to assemble.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Variations
Switch Things Up
- Mango Shrimp Tacos: Swap avocado for a spoonful of fresh mango salsa.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne to the spice mix or stir chipotle in adobo into the sauce.
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Skewer the seasoned shrimp and grill 2 minutes per side.
Amazing – total keeper!
Thanks so much Kim! 🙂
Family favorite! So easy and delicious.
I add paprika to the shrimp marinade.
Love this recipe. 🙂
I am so happy you loved this! Thanks so much Caryn! 🙂
These were a huge hit, served with the mango salsa. Definitely will do again soon!
YAY! So thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Joanie! 🙂
Delicious! The sauce is amazing and the spice is just right for the shrimp. Not too much for people who don’t like spicy. Sauce is easily made in advance and prepped the shrimp in advance too. Made for easy and quick dinner.
I am so happy to hear this! Thanks Lynn! 🙂
For how long does the cilantro lime dressing stay good for?
5-7 days in an airtight container in the fridge
These are a big hit at my house. I am not a fan of cilantro so I used a bunch of fresh basil and continental parsley instead of a bunch of cilantro. So Good!!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Jo! 🙂
We loved it. The flavors had zing!
So glad to hear that! Thanks Aaron!
hi i’m gunna try these out next week, but have a question about the calories. How many tacos is the 253kcal for?
3
My husband and I LOVE these tacos! I’ve been making them regularly for years now. When I’m in a pinch and can’t make the sauce, I just buy the Costco brand cilantro and lime sauce. It does the job, but nothing compared to the yummy home made sauce! 🙂 Thanks for this delicious recipe!!
So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed these tacos, thanks so much for the comment Sami!
Just wondering how long in advance you can make up the sauce and how long it keeps in the fridge?