Short Description
These Shrimp Tacos are quick, flavorful, and refreshing—perfect for a light dinner or fun taco night. Tender, spice‑coated shrimp nestled in warm tortillas with crisp cabbage, creamy avocado slices, lime‑infused sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy prep: Ready in about 30 minutes—ideal for busy nights.
- Fresh flavor combo: Spicy shrimp, crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and tangy lime.
- Family-friendly customization: Mild heat that suits all tastes; everyone can top their own.
- Balanced & nutritious: Protein-rich shrimp, veggies, and healthy fats.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
- Prep shrimp: Rinse and pat dry. In a bowl, toss shrimp with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate 10 minutes.
- Cook shrimp: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Warm tortillas: In another pan or microwave, warm tortillas until soft and pliable.
- Make sour cream drizzle: Combine sour cream with a squeeze of lime juice.
- Assemble tacos: Layer tortillas with shredded cabbage, cooked shrimp, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and drizzle with lime‑infused sour cream.
- Serve: Offer extra lime wedges; serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Based on similar recipes—Serves: about 4
- Prep time: ~10 minutes (plus 10‑minute marinate)
- Cook time: ~10–15 minutes
- Total time: ~30–35 minutes
Variations
- Spice level: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Tortilla swap: Use corn for gluten‑free or choose flour for softness.
- Extra crunch: Add sliced radish or pickled red onions.
- Cheese option: Top with crumbled cotija or queso fresco.
- Sauce twist: Mix mayo or Greek yogurt with lime juice for alternative creamy dressing.
Storage/reheating
- Shrimp: Store shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Tortillas: Keep in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Reheating:
- Shrimp: Reheat gently in a skillet 1 minute per side or microwave briefly.
- Tortillas: Warm in a skillet or microwave before serving.

FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw fully, pat dry, then season and cook as directed.
2. Do I have to marinate the shrimp?
No—but marinating for 10 minutes adds flavor and helps seasoning stick.
3. Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Certainly! Grill 2–3 minutes per side on medium heat for a smoky flavor.
4. Is this recipe gluten‑free?
Yes—use corn tortillas and ensure all ingredients (like sour cream and spices) are gluten-free.
5. How can I make the tacos spicier?
Add cayenne, sliced jalapeño, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix or sauce.
6. Can I prep in advance?
Yes—cook shrimp ahead and keep refrigerated; warm and assemble when ready to eat.
7. What toppings go well?
Try pico de gallo, pickled onions, shredded lettuce, mango salsa, or cotija cheese.
8. Can I make a taco bar?
Absolutely—set out shrimp, tortillas, veggies, sauces, and let everyone build their own.
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Not recommended—shrimp and tortillas lose texture when frozen.
10. How do I heat tortillas without a microwave?
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side or char them directly over a gas flame.
Conclusion
These Shrimp Tacos bring together succulent spice-seasoned shrimp, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and zesty lime in soft tortillas. Ready in about half an hour, they offer a delicious, customizable meal that works for weeknights and weekend gatherings alike. Prep ahead, heat, assemble, and dig into fresh flavor!
Print
Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Shrimp Tacos are quick, flavorful, and refreshing—perfect for a light dinner or taco night. Spiced shrimp are served with cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and lime-sour cream in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 small corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded green cabbage
Juice of 2 limes
1 avocado, sliced
2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Toss with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Mix sour cream with lime juice to make the drizzle.
- Assemble tacos: Add shredded cabbage, cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and cilantro to each tortilla. Drizzle with lime-infused sour cream.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option.
- Adjust spice level with extra chili or jalapeños.
- Great with pickled onions or cotija cheese as toppings.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 10-minute marinate)
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 145mg