These Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant blend of smoky, spiced shrimp paired with crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and tangy Cotija cheese. The zesty shrimp taco sauce ties everything together, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for taco night or a quick, flavorful dinner!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword Shrimp Tacos
Prep Time 25 minutesminutes
Cook Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1lbshrimpmedium or large, raw
1garlic clovepressed or minced
1/2teaspoonsea salt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
1/4teaspoonground cumin
1/4teaspooncayenne pepper
1teaspoonolive oil
Shrimp Taco Toppings:
8white corn tortillas(small, 6” diameter), or opt Hard Taco Shells
1/2small purple cabbage2 cups shredded
1large avocadopitted, peeled and diced
1/2red oniondiced
4ozCotija cheese(1 cup grated on a box grater)
1/4bunch cilantrocoarsely chopped
1limecut into 6 wedges
Shrimp Taco Sauce Ingredients:
1/3cupsour cream
1/3cupmayonnaise
1 1/2teaspoonlime juicesqueezed from one lime
3/4teaspoongarlic powder
3/4teaspoonSriracha sauceor to taste
Instructions
Defrost the shrimp and gently pat them dry with paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
Transfer them to a medium bowl, then add the seasonings and minced garlic. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Sauté for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until fully cooked—look for a tender white interior with vibrant pink and red accents on the outside.
Once done, transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and allow them to cool slightly.
Toast 8 tortillas over a medium-low flame on a gas stovetop, flipping each one after about 10 seconds, until the edges develop a light char.
Alternatively, use a medium-hot skillet or griddle, cooking each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until golden brown spots appear.
Thinly slice the cabbage, dice the avocado, finely chop the red onion, and coarsely chop the cilantro. Arrange these on a serving platter alongside lime wedges.
To build the tacos, layer the toppings and shrimp over each toasted tortilla for a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined. Serve the sauce alongside the assembled shrimp tacos for drizzling or dipping.