If you’re searching for dinner inspiration that’s fresh, fun, and oh-so-flavorful, look no further than this Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe. These tacos are a celebration of color and taste, starring juicy, spiced shrimp tucked inside warm corn tortillas and topped off with vibrant goodies like crisp red cabbage, creamy avocado, tangy lime crema, and a sprinkle of cheese. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving something deliciously different, this easy-to-master recipe will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe, you really only need simple, everyday ingredients—but each one brings something special to the table! The spices amp up the flavor, while the toppings add lots of color, freshness, and irresistible texture.
- Shrimp (1 pound, medium, peeled and deveined): Wonderfully quick-cooking, shrimp are the juicy protein stars of this dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps those spices stick and adds a subtle richness to the shrimp.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings smoky, earthy heat—feel free to pick your favorite variety.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, nutty flavor that pairs so well with seafood.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a touch of sweet-smoky depth you’ll taste in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Quick, easy savory boost for extra flavor dimension.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together and balances the dish.
- Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A gentle kick to round out the spice blend.
- Corn tortillas (8 small): Authentic and slightly toasty, these make your tacos sing!
- Shredded red cabbage (1 cup): Adds crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): A fresh, herby finish and classic taco must-have.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, diced): Sweet-sharp flavor and extra crunch in every bite.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy slices mellow out the spicy shrimp.
- Cotija cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Salty and tangy, this classic crumbly cheese is the perfect topper.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Forms the base of your quick lime crema for tang and richness.
- Lime (juice of 1): Zesty brightness for that essential finishing touch.
How to Make Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each shrimp is totally coated in that gorgeous, fragrant spice mix. This step ensures maximum flavor on every shrimp—don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until they’re turning plump and pink, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and have a lovely golden edge from the spices. Pull them off the heat so they stay perfectly tender.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or right in the microwave until they’re soft and flexible. Warm tortillas make folding and filling the tacos easy—plus, they just taste better! Keep them covered with a clean towel to prevent drying out while you prep the toppings.
Step 4: Make the Lime Crema
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the juice of one lime and a pinch of salt (if you’d like). Give it a quick whisk until smooth—it’ll be bright and zesty, the perfect counterpoint to the warm, spiced shrimp. If you want a lighter option, swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
To build your tacos, add a few shrimp to each warm tortilla. Top with a generous handful of shredded red cabbage, a scatter of red onion, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro and a crumble of cotija cheese. Finish with a drizzle of the lime crema, and your Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe is ready for its big moment!
How to Serve Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
A playful selection of garnishes lets everyone make their taco perfect. Try extra chopped cilantro, more lime wedges for squeezing, sliced jalapeños for fiery heat, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra zing. Even a sprinkle of toasted pepitas adds wonderful crunch!
Side Dishes
Pair your Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe with classic sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a zippy corn salad. Tortilla chips with fresh guacamole are always welcome, and a cool watermelon or pineapple salad is the ultimate refresher, especially on warm evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings in little bowls—people love building their own combinations. If you want a fancier presentation, stack the tacos upright in a taco stand, or serve each taco nestled in a leaf of crunchy romaine for a lighter, gluten-free twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover shrimp or toppings, store each component in a separate airtight container in the fridge. The shrimp will stay tasty for up to 2 days, while the fresh toppings are best enjoyed within one day to keep their crunch.
Freezing
Cooked shrimp can be frozen for later! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. (Skip freezing the tortillas and toppings—they’re best enjoyed fresh.)
Reheating
To reheat the shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave until just heated through. Give the tortillas a quick toast in a pan or a few seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for fresh-from-the-pan flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp under cold running water, pat them dry, and proceed as directed. Fresh or frozen, the key is not to overcook them so they stay juicy.
What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
Feta cheese makes a great substitute for cotija—it’s salty and crumbly, just like the original. Don’t have either? Just skip it; the tacos are still delicious.
Can I make the Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free yogurt for the crema and either skip the cheese or try a dairy-free cheese crumble. The flavors will still shine.
Are these tacos spicy?
They’re mildly spiced, but you can easily adjust the heat. Add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or sliced fresh jalapeños if you love a real kick!
Can I substitute flour tortillas?
Definitely! Flour tortillas work just fine if you prefer them or have them on hand. Warm them as you would corn tortillas, and enjoy that pillowy-soft texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fast, festive, and full of flavor, you simply have to try this Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe. You’ll love how easy it comes together and how every bite bursts with color and spice. Give it a go and get ready for a taco night everyone will look forward to!
Print
Quick Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Quick Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and zesty lime crema is sure to delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined;
Seasoning:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper;
Tacos:
8 small corn tortillas;
Toppings:
1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 avocado sliced, 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese;
Lime Crema:
1/2 cup sour cream, juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil and seasonings. Cook in a skillet until pink and cooked through.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas until pliable.
- Make Lime Crema: Mix sour cream and lime juice.
- Assemble Tacos: Layer shrimp on tortillas and top with cabbage, cilantro, onion, avocado, cotija cheese, and lime crema. Serve.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the crema.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
