Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are your new go-to for fast, flavorful dinners. Packed with juicy, seasoned shrimp, crunchy slaw, and a creamy, tangy taco sauce, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas, this recipe brings bold flavor to your table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp taco recipe is incredibly quick—perfect for weeknights or last-minute meals. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and simple seasoning, you’ll have restaurant-quality tacos in 15 minutes or less. It’s high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re making it for your family or entertaining guests, these tacos always impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp Tacos:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• Avocado oil, for frying

• 14 ounces bag of coleslaw or 3 cups shredded cabbage

• 1/2 small bunch cilantro, finely chopped

• 9 corn tortillas

• Easy guacamole, optional

For the Shrimp Taco Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (2% or higher fat)

• 1/4 cup mayo (preferably avocado oil mayo)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Pinch of cayenne

• Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine shrimp, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to coat and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

3. Preheat a large non-stick ceramic skillet over high heat. Add a bit of avocado oil, then cook shrimp until pink on one side. Flip and cook until fully opaque. For more char, press shrimp with a spatula while cooking.

4. In a large bowl, mix coleslaw, chopped cilantro, and most of the sauce (reserve some for drizzling). Stir gently.

5. Warm tortillas in a hot skillet for 10 seconds per side, pressing gently with a spatula.

6. Assemble tacos by placing 3–4 shrimp into each tortilla, topping with slaw, and drizzling with reserved sauce. Serve immediately with optional guacamole or your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 tacos.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or extra cayenne to the sauce.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo alternatives.

• Low-Carb: Serve shrimp and slaw in lettuce cups instead of tortillas.

• Fruit Twist: Add diced mango, pineapple, or avocado to the slaw for a sweet contrast.

• Grilled Shrimp: Grill the shrimp on a silicone grill mat instead of pan-frying.

• Crunchy Tacos: Use hard taco shells for a crispy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
To reheat shrimp, pan-fry on medium heat until just warmed through.
Reheating is not recommended for the slaw, as it’s best fresh and crunchy.
Tortillas can be reheated briefly in a dry skillet before assembling leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to ensure proper searing.

What’s the best type of tortilla for shrimp tacos?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can also use flour or whole wheat tortillas based on your preference.

How do I keep shrimp from being rubbery?

Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook quickly—usually in 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What can I substitute for taco seasoning?

Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt if you don’t have taco seasoning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check all your labels.

What toppings go well with shrimp tacos?

Try sliced avocado, crumbled feta, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or extra lime juice.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—just double or triple the ingredients and cook the shrimp in batches.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes or until pink and fully cooked.

Can I add beans to these tacos?

Yes, black beans or refried beans make a great addition for extra fiber and protein.

Conclusion

These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy shrimp, zesty sauce, and crunchy slaw all wrapped in warm tortillas, they bring fresh, bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just need a quick meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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