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Easy Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Lime Sauce

Quick and easy spiced shrimp tacos with a zesty, creamy lime sauce and fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Small bowl For the sauce
  • Large skillet For cooking shrimp and warming tortillas
  • Tongs Optional, for warming tortillas over gas flame

Ingredients
  

Shrimp Taco Sauce

  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt 2% or full-fat; can substitute sour cream and mayo
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon sriracha sauce Adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.125 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • salt Pinch
  • Water as needed, to thin sauce

Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Serving

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas Warm them up for best experience
  • 0.5 small red or green cabbage shredded
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 0.25 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 0.25 cup crumbled Cotija cheese Feta is a good substitute

Instructions
 

  • Whip up the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream/mayo mix), lime juice, sriracha, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir until everything is smooth. If it's too thick to drizzle, add just a tiny splash of water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust if needed – maybe a little more lime or sriracha? Set this aside while you prepare the shrimp.
  • Prep the Shrimp: If your shrimp aren't already peeled and deveined, now's the time! Pat them dry with a paper towel; this helps them get a nice sear. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure they're all coated evenly in those lovely spices.
  • Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary. Cook for only 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Shrimp cook super fast, so keep an eye on them so they don't get tough!
  • Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are cooking or just after, quickly warm your tortillas. You can do this by warming them gently in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, microwaving them slightly wrapped in a damp paper towel, or even holding them carefully over a low gas flame with tongs (my favorite method for a little char!). Warm tortillas are key!
  • Assemble the Tacos: Now for the fun part! Lay out your warm tortillas. Fill each one generously with the spiced shrimp. Top with shredded cabbage, slices of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and that lovely crumbled Cotija cheese. Drizzle generously with the tangy lime sauce you made earlier. Load 'em up!
  • Serve and Enjoy!: Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These are best enjoyed fresh.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Add sautéed peppers/onions, grilled corn, or roasted sweet potatoes. Use Feta, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese instead of Cotija. Add more sriracha or cayenne for heat. Use all mayo for sauce. Add cumin or chili powder to sauce.
Tips for Success: Don't overcook shrimp (2-3 mins/side). Pat shrimp dry for better sear. Always warm tortillas. Prep sauce and shredded cabbage ahead. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Storage: Store cooked shrimp and sauce separately in the fridge for 2-3 days. Store toppings separately. Reheat shrimp gently and warm fresh tortillas before assembling leftovers.