Mexican Shrimp Tacos 🌮🦐 Spicy, Juicy, and Packed With Flavor

— Shrimp That Belongs in a Tortilla

Mexican Shrimp Tacos are the fast-track to big flavor: chili-spiced shrimp flash-seared and tucked into warm tortillas with tangy slaw, citrus, and crema.

They’re weeknight-easy, party-worthy, and ready to take on anything from salsa verde to mango pico.

Ingredients (Makes 6–8 tacos)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Slaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: chopped cilantro, thin-sliced jalapeño

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayo
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle in adobo
• Salt to taste

Extras

• 6–8 corn or flour tortillas
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro, avocado, queso fresco (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let sit while you prep slaw and sauce.

Make the Slaw

Toss shredded cabbage with lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Add jalapeño or cilantro if using. Let it sit to soften slightly.

Mix the Sauce

Whisk together sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Thin with a splash of water if needed for drizzling.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink, lightly charred, and cooked through. Do not overcrowd.

Build the Tacos

Warm tortillas. Layer with slaw, shrimp, a drizzle of sauce, and your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or cheese. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Flavor Variations

• Swap chili powder for chipotle powder for smokier heat
• Add a mango or pineapple salsa on top for sweetness
• Use shrimp marinated in achiote or adobo for deeper flavor
• Turn into shrimp taco bowls with rice, beans, and guacamole

Pro Tips

• Use fresh lime juice to brighten every layer — shrimp, slaw, and sauce
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they should be juicy, not rubbery
• Charring the tortillas directly on the burner adds extra flavor
• Double the sauce — it works as a dip for chips or veggies too

Final Thoughts

Mexican Shrimp Tacos are fast, fresh, and built for bold flavor. It’s everything you want in a taco: juicy heat, citrus punch, creamy cool-down, and a crisp bite. These bring taco truck vibes with none of the wait.

Sear hot. Sauce big. Stack fast. 🌮🦐🌶️

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.