The Best Easy Shrimp Tacos (Versatile Recipe!)

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos are ready in only 30 minutes and bursting with flavor for the perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love. This easy recipe is also a breeze to make for a crowd and ideal for Cinco de Mayo, summer gatherings, or casual dinners with friends! 

Recently, I went to dinner with my hubby at a local place we love, and we split an order of the fish tacos and an order of the shrimp tacos. The perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp were so yummy, I knew I had to recreate them at home!

I love how versatile tacos are despite their simplicity. Unlike some dishes, such as Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, which have a particular base and you can adjust the toppings, I can whip up this spicy shrimp taco recipe in under 30 minutes, and the entire family is thrilled because they can enjoy them in their own unique favorite way!

Now, you just might be tempted to have taco night every night!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp: I prefer to use jumbo shrimp in this recipe, because I think they create the perfect ratio of shrimp to taco fixin’s. Verify that they are peeled and deveined before seasoning and cooking.
• Olive Oil: I use olive oil for nearly all my cooking. You could also use avocado oil to cook the shrimp.
• Spices: I like to keep it simple by using a combo of garlic powder, chili powder, and salt and pepper. If you want these tacos spicy, add red pepper flakes!
• Cabbage: I tend to keep it simple (and fast) by using a bag of precut cabbage mix from the store. If you want (or have a ton of people to feed), you could chop up a head of fresh green cabbage and a head of fresh purple cabbage.
• Limes: Fresh lime juice adds that perfect pop of citric brightness when sprinkled over the shrimp and tacos!
• Cilantro: Optional, but I think cilantro leaves are a must-have topping for these spicy shrimp tacos.
• Tortillas: Go with your favorite street taco-sized tortillas – warm corn and warm flour tortillas both taste amazing!

How To Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Here’s a quick overview of how to make these spicy shrimp tacos.

Step 1 – Cook the Shrimp

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, and once it’s warm, add the shrimp. You only need to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.

Sprinkle on the spices (chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste). Then remove the shrimp from the heat – do not overcook!

Step 2 – Warm the Tortillas

In another skillet or directly on the grill, warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.

Step 3 – Assemble the Tacos

Place a few shrimp in each tortilla and top with your choice of toppings (see ideas below).

Serve the shrimp tacos immediately while they’re warm!

Methods To Cook Shrimp For Tacos

I prefer to pan-sear the shrimp for these tacos. But, you could realistically prepare them your favorite way, and your spicy shrimp tacos will be amazing! Here are some ideas and shrimp cook times as a guide.

• Pan Seared Shrimp – Heat a skillet to medium-high heat, add oil to the pan and immediately add shrimp. Sear for ONLY 2 to 3 minutes per side to get tender shrimp. NOTE: if you use small shrimp, you won’t cook as long – the key to being done is that the shrimp are pink and opaque.
• Grilled Shrimp – Heat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Add shrimp to a grill basket and grill for 2 – 3 minutes per side. 
• Roasted Shrimp – Preheat oven to 400°F. Place seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Air Fryer Shrimp – Season shrimp and place in a single layer in the air fryer (basket or tray, depending on the style of your air fryer). Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes until pink and opaque.

Pro Tip: The trick to getting this shrimp perfectly cooked is to heat your skillet until it’s very hot. The goal is to cook the shrimp and give them a nice seared or grilled exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Some people say to only use fresh shrimp, but I don’t live near the coast, so I always use frozen shrimp in this easy shrimp taco recipe.

To use frozen shrimp, thaw them in a bowl of cold water. Avoid hot water, because it will start to cook the shrimp. Then peel the shrimp and devein (if needed – my frozen shrimp comes already peeled and deveined). 

Best Way To Warm Tortillas

I absolutely hate it when corn tortillas tear or break apart. I’ve tried so many different ways to heat them up and wondered why the perfect method was so elusive. I finally figured it out!

Try heating your tortillas by following these simple stove-top steps:

1. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat.
2. Spray cooking spray on both sides of tortilla. (I use and recommend Chosen Brand Avocado Oil)
3. Place oiled tortillas in the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed and golden brown.

What are toppings for shrimp tacos?

Everyone in my family has their own favorite toppings for shrimp tacos. Some of my favorite recommendations for this easy shrimp tacos recipe are:

• Avocado or guacamole
• Sprinkle of lime
• Fresh cilantro
• Drizzle of sour cream
• Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• Crumbled Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese
• Fresh Pico de Gallo or salsa
• Tomatillo salsa
• Mango salsa
• Diced red onion
• Pickled Jalapeños
• Sliced jalapeno peppers
• Drizzle of Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce
• Tajin or cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce or red pepper flakes
• Drizzle of ranch

How To Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Here are some ideas for sides to accompany and complement this spicy shrimp tacos recipe!

Rice

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A light and refreshing choice that complements the flavors of the tacos.
• Mexican Rice: A classic and flavorful option with a richer flavor profile.
• Spanish Rice: Similar to Mexican rice, often with a slightly different spice blend. 

Beans

• Black Beans: A simple and nutritious addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.
• Refried Beans: A creamy and satisfying classic side.
• Frijoles Charros: A savory and flavorful bean dish with bacon, sausage, and other ingredients. 

Salads

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): A flavorful and exciting side featuring grilled corn with a creamy sauce and spices. Turn it into a salad with avocado and a creamy dressing.
• Jicama Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy slaw with a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Cucumber Salad: A cool and refreshing salad option. 
• Avocado Salad: A rich and flavorful salad featuring fresh avocado.
• Corn Salad: A simple yet delicious salad with sweet corn and other flavorful ingredients.

Remember to consider the spiciness of your shrimp tacos and choose sides that will balance the flavors. Enjoy!

How many shrimp do you need per person for tacos?

When making shrimp tacos, I follow the guide of preparing about 8-10 shrimp per person.

My family has 5 people, so I generally make around 40 shrimp – more than that if my teenage boys are really hungry that day!

More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes

• Mexican Stuffed Shells
• Chicken And Rice Enchiladas
• Baked Rolled Tacos
• Taco Cups with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce
• Wonton Taco Cups Recipe
• Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

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