The BEST Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Salsa (Your New Taco Obsession!)

These bronzed shrimp tacos deliver bold, smoky, and citrusy flavor in every bite. If you’re searching for tacos inspiration, taco video recipes, or authentic Spaniard dishes with a modern twist, you’ll love these vibrant tacos.

They’re simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough for gatherings perfect as a shrimp taco appetizer, full meal, or party spread. You can serve them with creamy cabbage slaw, seafood tacos with salsa, fresh lime, or even swap shrimp for scallops for delicious scallops tacos.

If you’ve been wondering how to make shrimp tacos effortlessly, this recipe is the ultimate go-to.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Servings: 8 tacos

Ingredients List

For the Bronzed Shrimp

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Optional: pinch cayenne

For the Creamy Taco Sauce

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp Tajín or chili-lime seasoning

For the Tacos

• 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup salsa (for seafood tacos with salsa)
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

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

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Season the shrimp
   Toss shrimp with paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
2. Cook the shrimp
   Heat skillet on medium-high → sear shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and bronzed.
3. Make the sauce
   Mix yogurt/sour cream, lime juice, honey, garlic, and chili-lime seasoning.
4. Warm tortillas
   Heat in skillet or over flame for charred edges.
5. Assemble tacos 🌮
   Add cabbage → bronzed shrimp → drizzle sauce → top with salsa for seafood tacos with salsa.
6. Finish & serve
   Add cilantro and lime juice.
   Serve immediately for the best texture!

Pro Tips

• Swap shrimp for scallops to make scallops tacos.
• Add mango salsa for a tropical twist.
• Marinate shrimp 10 minutes for deeper flavor.
• Double the sauce you’ll want extra!
• Serve in mini tortillas for shrimp taco appetizer size.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimated and may vary. Always adjust based on your ingredients.

The BEST Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Salsa (Your New Taco Obsession!)

Fresh, spiced shrimp tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy cabbage, salsa, and a creamy lime sauce. These easy shrimp tacos are your next go-to for taco night or party appetizers.

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Course: Dinner, Main, Tacos

Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lime juice (for sauce)
• 1/4 tsp salt (for sauce)

Equipment

• skillet or frying pan
• mixing bowl
• whisk or fork for sauce
• spatula or tongs

Method

 

1. In a bowl, season shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and lime juice. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly golden.
2. In a small bowl, whisk sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and salt until smooth. This is your creamy taco sauce.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry pan. Fill each with cabbage, cooked shrimp, salsa, creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a spicier version, add chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Pairs well with avocado slices or pickled onions.

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Conclusion

These bronzed shrimp tacos are loaded with flavor, incredibly easy, and perfect for parties, date nights, or busy weeknights. With smoky shrimp, zesty lime sauce, and fresh toppings, they’re guaranteed to become a weekly favorite!

FAQs