BEST SHRIMP TACOS EVER

Imagine biting into a warm, grilled tortilla overflowing with succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp, a vibrant slaw bursting with fresh flavors, and a creamy, zesty sauce that ties it all together. That’s the Shrimp Tacos experience we’re about to create, and trust me, after one bite, you’ll never settle for ordinary tacos again. I promise, this will be your go-to Shrimp Tacos recipe for years to come!

What You’ll Need: The Shrimp Tacos Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime, juiced

For the Slaw:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green and red)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• 12 corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, crumbled cotija cheese, hot sauce

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the shrimp and toss again. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator). This will really infuse the shrimp with flavor!

Step 2: Make the Slaw

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This slaw is even better if it sits for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and sriracha.
2. Taste and add salt to taste. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha! This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, over an open flame on a gas stove, or in the microwave. Warming them makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you fill them.
2. If using a skillet, heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, or until softened.
3. If using a gas stove, carefully pass each tortilla over the flame for a few seconds per side, until lightly charred.
4. If using a microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

1. Spread a generous spoonful of the sauce on each tortilla.
2. Top with a few cooked shrimp.
3. Add a heaping spoonful of the slaw.
4. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices or crumbled cotija cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Tacos

Choosing the Right Shrimp

I always recommend using large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) for these tacos. They’re big enough to hold their own against the other ingredients and cook up juicy and tender. Make sure to buy shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save yourself some prep time.

Spice it Up!

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you want more heat, add more sriracha to the sauce, or use a spicier chili powder in the shrimp marinade. You could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. For a fun variation, you might consider trying the Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Tacos for another layer of flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can save time by prepping the slaw and sauce ahead of time. Both can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the cilantro to the sauce until right before serving, as it can wilt and lose its flavor. You can also marinate the shrimp ahead of time; just don’t marinate them for more than 30 minutes, as the lime juice can start to “cook” them.

Tortilla Time!

I personally love corn tortillas with these tacos, but flour tortillas work just as well. Choose whichever you prefer! If you’re using corn tortillas, I recommend double-stacking them to prevent them from tearing.

Variations and Additions

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet. Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

For a bolder flavor, use a blackened seasoning blend on the shrimp. Simply toss the shrimp with the seasoning before cooking. The Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe offers a similar flavor profile that you might also enjoy.

Add Some Veggies

Feel free to add other veggies to your tacos, such as diced avocado, sliced tomatoes, or grilled corn. Grilled corn adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

Rice and Beans

Make it a complete meal by serving your Shrimp Tacos with a side of rice and beans. The Taco Rice Bowl could give you some creative inspiration for your side dish!

More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes

If you’re a fan of Mexican flavors, you’ll love these other recipes too! Try Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili for a comforting and flavorful soup. For a quick and easy dinner, check out Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Or, if you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, the Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat Recipe is a must-try. And don’t forget the Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Tacos for a vegetarian option bursting with flavor.

Enjoy Your Shrimp Tacos!

There you have it! The absolute BEST Shrimp Tacos recipe, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Shrimp Tacos. Now go get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Lady Maria

Best Shrimp Tacos Ever

These shrimp tacos are bursting with flavor, featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, a vibrant slaw, and a creamy, zesty sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and will become your go-to for delicious and satisfying tacos.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 lime, juiced
• 4 cups shredded cabbage green and red
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or more, to taste
• Salt to taste
• 12 corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado slices
• Optional toppings: crumbled cotija cheese
• Optional toppings: hot sauce

Equipment

• medium bowl
• Large bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• Large skillet or grill pan
• Spatula
• Dry skillet or microwave
• Tongs (if grilling tortillas)
• Cutting board
• knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the shrimp and toss again. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and sriracha.
7. Taste and add salt to taste. Add more sriracha if desired.
8. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
9. Add the marinated shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. You may need to cook them in batches.
10. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.
11. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, over an open flame on a gas stove, or in the microwave.
12. If using a skillet, heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, or until softened.
13. If using a gas stove, carefully pass each tortilla over the flame for a few seconds per side, until lightly charred.
14. If using a microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
15. Spread a generous spoonful of the sauce on each tortilla.
16. Top with a few cooked shrimp.
17. Add a heaping spoonful of the slaw.
18. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices or crumbled cotija cheese.
19. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use large shrimp (31-40 count per pound). Adjust spice level to your liking by adding more sriracha or spicier chili powder. Prep the slaw and sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Marinate the shrimp for no more than 30 minutes. Corn or flour tortillas can be used. For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp. For a bolder flavor, use a blackened seasoning blend on the shrimp. Add other veggies to your tacos, such as diced avocado, sliced tomatoes, or grilled corn. Serve with a side of rice and beans.