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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
Cook Time4 minutes
Total Time29 minutes
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

Ingredients

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
  • 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

Instructions

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!

Notes

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.