Shrimp Tacos

These Shrimp Tacos are bright, juicy, zesty, and packed with the perfect blend of seasoning, crunch, and fresh toppings. Inspired by coastal Spaniard dishes and modern Mexican flavors, this recipe delivers restaurant-level shrimp tacos at home in less than 25 minutes.

They’re ideal for tacos inspiration, party platters, and even appetizer-style servings if you want cute mini shrimp taco appetizers. The shrimp is seasoned beautifully using a simple yet bold shrimp tacos seasoning, and the creamy cilantro-lime sauce ties everything together.

If you love seafood tacos with salsa, want alternatives like scallops tacos, or enjoy watching creative taco video recipes and taco recipes videos, these shrimp tacos will become one of your all-time favorites.

Light, refreshing, vibrant, and undeniably delicious. 🌶️🧄🦐

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Servings: 6 tacos

Ingredients List

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

For the Slaw

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Extras & Toppings

  • 6 small tortillas
  • Mango salsa or pico de gallo
  • Avocado slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: jalapeños, queso fresco

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Citrus juicer (optional)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp
    Combine shrimp with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
    (This is the perfect shrimp tacos seasoning blend!)
  2. Prepare the slaw
    Mix cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, mayo, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp
    Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
  4. Warm the tortillas
    Toast tortillas in a dry skillet until soft and warm.
  5. Assemble the tacos
    Add slaw to tortillas → add shrimp → top with mango salsa or pico de gallo → add avocado slices.
  6. Serve immediately
    Great for tacos for party, family dinners, or appetizers.

Pro Tips Section

  1. Want a creamy sauce?
    Mix sour cream + lime + hot sauce for a drizzle.
  2. Make mini tacos
    Perfect for shrimp taco appetizers at events.
  3. Swap shrimp for scallops
    Makes incredible scallops tacos!
  4. Add crunch
    Top with crushed tortilla strips.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 taco19014g14g8g2g3g

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on brand, preparation, and substitutions. Always check ingredients for allergies.

Shrimp Tacos

These fresh, citrusy shrimp tacos are packed with flavor from zesty lime-seasoned shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and your favorite salsa — perfect for taco nights, parties, or light dinners.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Seafood
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups cabbage slaw mix
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 cup salsa of choice

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
  2. Mix cabbage slaw with chopped cilantro in a bowl. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  3. Assemble tacos by layering slaw, cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and salsa on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 21gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in lime juice and spices for 15 minutes before cooking. Add sour cream or chipotle mayo for a creamy finish. Use corn or flour tortillas based on preference.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

These Shrimp Tacos are bright, fresh, and full of irresistible flavor — a perfect blend of zesty lime, seasoned shrimp, creamy toppings, and crunchy slaw. Whether you’re serving them for weeknight dinners, parties, taco bars, or appetizers, they’re guaranteed to impress every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — thaw and pat dry before seasoning.

Can I grill the shrimp?

Absolutely! They take only 2–3 minutes per side.

Best salsa for shrimp tacos?

Mango salsa, pico de gallo, pineapple salsa, or corn salsa.