Creamy Spicy Shrimp Tacos You’ll Want Every Week

If you’re craving big shrimp flavors and a fun twist on taco night, these creamy spicy shrimp tacos are a must-try. They’re crispy, creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet perfect for anyone looking for a quick spicy shrimp dinner, delicious taco style recipes, or crowd-pleasing seafood dinner ideas families will love.

You can serve them traditional-style or get creative and turn them into wonton shrimp tacos, swap the sauce for a twist to make teriyaki shrimp tacos, or use the same filling in bowls, lettuce wraps, or salads.

They’re quick, versatile, and perfect as easy recipes for dinner with shrimp or weekend taco spreads.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 tacos

Ingredients List

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for crispy coating)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional spice)
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Creamy Bang Sauce

(Your creamy shrimp taco sauce)

• ¼ cup mayo
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Toppings

• Shredded cabbage
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Soft tortillas
• Optional: crispy wonton shells for wonton shrimp tacos

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just simple basics:

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Knife & cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Season the shrimp
   Toss shrimp with cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp
   Heat skillet → add oil → cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
3. Mix the creamy sauce
   Combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime, and garlic powder.
4. Toss shrimp in sauce
   Coat shrimp generously in the creamy shrimp taco sauce.
5. Warm the tortillas
   Heat until soft and lightly charred for the best texture.
6. Assemble tacos
   Add cabbage → creamy shrimp → cilantro → lime.
   Optional: serve in crispy wonton shells for wonton shrimp tacos.
7. Serve immediately 🌮✨

Pro Tips

• Use air fryer for extra crispy shrimp.
• Swap sauce for teriyaki to make teriyaki shrimp tacos.
• Add mango or pineapple salsa for a sweet twist.
• Use scallops to vary your shrimp taco meal.
• Make sauce spicier with extra sriracha.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer

Nutrition is approximate and varies by ingredients.

Creamy Spicy Shrimp Tacos You’ll Want Every Week

Crispy shrimp tossed in creamy chili-lime sauce, packed into warm tortillas with crunchy cabbage and fresh cilantro. This spicy shrimp taco recipe is fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

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Course: Dinner, Main, Tacos

Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (for cooking)

Equipment

• skillet
• mixing bowl for sauce
• tongs or spatula

Method

 

1. Pat shrimp dry and toss with cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. Sauté in oil over medium-high heat until crispy and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.
2. In a small bowl, whisk mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth to create the chili-lime sauce.
3. Warm tortillas, then layer cabbage, shrimp, and drizzle with creamy chili sauce. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 26gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Adjust the spice by reducing or increasing sriracha. For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or quick-pickled onions. Serve with lime wedges and avocado slices for a fresh finish.

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Conclusion

These creamy spicy shrimp tacos are fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or seafood lovers. With crispy shrimp, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings, this is the shrimp taco meal you’ll want on repeat!

FAQs