Shrimp Tacos
These shrimp tacos are quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Juicy, spiced shrimp are seared to perfection and layered with crisp cabbage, creamy avocado, and a zesty, tangy yogurt-lime sauce. Wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, every bite delivers a delicious balance of creamy, crunchy, and spicy.
Prep Time25 minutes mins
Cook Time4 minutes mins
Total Time29 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: easy shrimp dinner, easy taco recipe, quick Mexican meals, seafood tacos, shrimp tacos, spicy shrimp tacos
Servings: 4
Calories: 381kcal
For the Shrimp Taco Sauce:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or 5 tbsp sour cream + 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sriracha sauce or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
- Water as needed to thin the sauce
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ small red or green cabbage shredded (or use coleslaw mix)
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup Cotija cheese crumbled
Make the Taco Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream and mayonnaise), lime juice, sriracha, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with water, adding 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and lay them out in a single layer.
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the shrimp, coating both sides and pressing lightly to help it adhere.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Warm the Tortillas
For extra flavor, lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until warm and slightly crispy.
Alternatively, wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until soft.
Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a few shrimp.
Drizzle with the prepared sauce.
Top with chopped cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, soak in cold water for 10–20 minutes, then pat dry.
Use pre-packaged coleslaw mix to save time.
Swap in gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version.