The Ultimate Shrimp Tacos

These zesty, tangy shrimp tacos with mango jicama slaw are the perfect easy weeknight dinner and easy to make. Made with fresh shrimp, avocado crema, and a crunchy jicama mango salad, they are a great option for a light, satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a casual gathering, or celebrating Cinco de Mayo, these tacos will impress!

I’m officially a taco-holic and love seafood, so shrimp tacos are often on my menu. They’re quick, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. They make the best shrimp tacos because they’re bursting with freshness and made with tender, seasoned shrimp. And, they come together in no time!

As a nutrition consultant and chef, I love pairing high-protein meals with nutrient-packed veggies. Seafood tacos, especially shrimp tacos, are a perfect example of this! They’re fresh, vibrant, and loaded with health benefits. Whether it’s for busy weeknights, taco night with friends, or a casual get-together, these shrimp tacos always deliver. And they remind me of my love for Mexican food and the traditional fish tacos I’ve enjoyed throughout my travels.

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are the ultimate easy shrimp taco recipe. They’re full of flavor and easy to customize based on your taste buds. Packed with juicy shrimp, crunchy slaw, and creamy avocado sauce, these tacos offer the perfect balance of spicy shrimp, cool toppings, and warm tortillas. You can even make them spicy, tangy, or creamy to suit your preference.

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They’re an easy weeknight dinner or quick weeknight meal that won’t disappoint!

Ingredients That Make These Tacos Irresistible:

• Fresh shrimp (wild-caught are best): You can use uncooked shrimp or raw shrimp for a tender protein.
• Avocado oil: For sautéing and a rich, smooth flavor.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: For seasoning the shrimp.
• Chili powder: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the shrimp.
• Lime juice: Adds tang and freshness to the shrimp and slaw.
• Cabbage slaw: Shredded cabbage (green or red) for a crunchy texture and crunchy slaw vibe or Mango Jicama Salad.
• Avocado crema: A delicious creamy sauce for richness.
• Tortillas: You can use flour or corn tortillas; either is great when served warm tortillas.

How to Make Shrimp Tacos

Assemble the Tacos: Place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with a generous serving of cabbage slaw and mango jicama salad, drizzle with avocado crema, and sprinkle with cotija cheese for a tangy finish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra fresh lime juice.

Marinate the Shrimp: Start by cleaning and deveining the fresh shrimp. Place them in a large bowl and toss them with avocado oil, chili powder, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

Prepare the Jicama Mango Slaw: Chop the jicama and mango into small pieces. Combine them in a medium bowl with cilantro and a little lime juice for a crunchy, sweet, and tangy salad.

Prepare the Avocado Crema: Blend sour cream or Greek yogurt with avocado, lime juice, and a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder in a food processor. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook them—shrimp cook fast!

Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are cooking, warm them over an open flame or in a pan until they are soft and slightly charred.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

• Protein: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, try grilled fish, sauteed shrimp, or even grilled chicken for a different twist. Sautéed shrimp is always a great option for easy meals!
• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work wonderfully. If you’re on a low-carb diet, try keto tortillas made from almond flour or lettuce wraps.
• Sauce: You can swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For a dairy-free version, go for a cashew-based crema. Add salsa casera or tomatillo salsa verde.
• Cojita Cheese: For richness.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper. Want it extra spicy? Add diced jalapeño pepper or drizzle with sriracha sauce.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Shrimp Tacos:

Balance the Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to make sure you’ve got the perfect balance of spice, acidity, and creaminess.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, crispy veggies, and quality tortillas will elevate the flavor of your tacos.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, and you’ll have tender, juicy shrimp.

Let the Slaw Sit: Allowing the crunchy cabbage to rest for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it even more delicious.

Warm the Tortillas Properly: Heating your tortillas will help them become more pliable for folding and give them a better texture.

Ways to Serve It

• With a Side of Rice and Beans: A classic pairing that adds substance to your meal.
• As a Taco Bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the shrimp and slaw over greens or rice.
• With Grilled Veggies: A great option for adding more color and nutrients.
• With a Refreshing Drink: Pair these tacos with a homemade agua fresca, a citrusy margarita, or a light sparkling water infused with lime and mint.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store the shrimp separately from the slaw and tortillas to maintain freshness for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking. The cabbage slaw or salad can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Warm the tortillas just before serving to restore their softness.

These shrimp tacos are a great recipe that is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any taco night or busy weeknights. Whether you make them for a quick dinner tonight or serve them at a gathering, they’re sure to impress your guests. Add favorite toppings, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro for a dish that will have everyone asking for more. Try them for Cinco de Mayo or on a regular night—you’ll find they’re the best shrimp tacos for any occasion!

More Mexican Recipes

Authentic Mexican Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe
Spicy Mexican Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Authentic Mexican Black Beans Recipe (Frijoles Negros)
Squash Blossom Soup
Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing Recipe With Cilantro
Pumpkin Salsa Recipe With Apple

Mexican Jicama Mango Salad

Mexican No Mayo Coleslaw

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