Shrimp Tacos

↓ Jump to Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun party? My shrimp taco recipe is loaded with juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sauce that will satisfy your cravings.

Three delicious shrimp tacos on a plate with cilantro and lime wedges.
Table of Contents
  1. Key ingredients
  2. Marinate the shrimp
  3. Cook the shrimp
  4. Make the sauce
  5. Build the taco
  6. Flavor variations
  7. Serving suggestions
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. Shrimp Tacos Recipe

This easy shrimp tacos recipe is the perfect way to spice up dinnertime! Succulent pieces of shrimp are marinated in a flavorful citrus sauce to infuse more seasoning into each bite. It only takes a few minutes to sear the seafood to make a protein-packed wrap. For another tasty option, try my blackened fish tacos.

My family always enjoys taco night because they get to customize their meal. I’ve also created a creamy and zesty sauce to drizzle on top. You can add some pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, or slices of avocado for an exciting build-your-own wrap. Serve with rice, beans, chips, and dip for a complete feast!

Key ingredients

Ingredients needed to make this easy shrimp taco recipe.
  • Shrimp: I use medium-sized shrimp, 31/40 count per 1 pound. This gives the perfect one-bite piece. You can use larger 16/20 count pieces. Use fresh or frozen shrimp, defrosting before marinating.
  • Marinade: Briny shrimp have a lightly salty and sweet taste. Toss them in a flavorful lime marinade before cooking to enhance the taste.
  • Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas, about 5 to 6 inches in size. Warm them in a skillet to remove the raw starchy taste and add more color and flavor to the surface. The heat also makes them more pliable.
  • Shrimp Taco Sauce: Whisk together sour cream, lime, and cilantro sauce to add to the tacos. It’s cool and creamy, perfect for balancing the spice in the marinade.

Marinate the shrimp

Several pieces of shrimp marinating in a bowl with spicy seasonings.

The shrimp are soaked in a quick 10-minute marinade before cooking. Toss the pieces in olive oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This step can be done up to 24 hours in advance.

Cook the shrimp

The delicate seafood cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye on the color change. I prefer a cast iron skillet as it retains heat well. Heat the pan over medium heat, then cook the shrimp in hot olive oil. I spread the season food into an even layer in the pan for even cooking and to add more flavor to the surface.

Flip the shrimp, and cook until the pieces are pink and opaque. The process only takes about 3 to 4 minutes in total. The shrimp are small, do not overcook, or they will shrink and turn rubbery in texture.

Make the sauce

Grab these key ingredients to make a quick and flavorful shrimp taco sauce. Whisk together sour cream, lime juice, zest, honey, chopped cilantro, salt, and water in a medium bowl. This gives a super cool, creamy, and tangy sauce.

Add some hot sauce, sriracha, chile powder, cayenne, or chipotle powder if you want a spicier flavor. The sauce can be made up to three days in advance.

Build the taco

Shrimp taco ingredients being combined together for an easy and quick dinner.

Warm the tortillas in a pan over medium heat. This makes them more flexible, soft, and flavorful. It prevents the tacos from falling apart, as cold starches in the tortillas can be very brittle, especially corn tortillas. Evenly divide the shrimp, about 4 to 5 per taco. Add the taco sauce on top and any other flavorful ingredients.

Flavor variations

There are various ways to make shrimp tacos even more exciting! Try these different seasonings, sauces, and toppings for your next meal.

Plate of shrimp tacos served with two lime wedges.

Serving suggestions

Frequently asked questions

How much shrimp per person for tacos?

One pound of medium shrimp yields 31 to 40 pieces. This gives about 4 to 5 pieces per taco, yielding 8 tacos. Factor about 2 tacos per person, increasing the recipe size as needed for a hungrier crowd. If using large 16 to 20-count shrimp, it’s about 2 pieces per taco.

What’s the best way to cook shrimp for tacos?

The quickest method is on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat. This will quickly sear each side, cooking the shrimp in 5 minutes or less. For a smoky, charred flavor, cook the shrimp on skewers on the BBQ grill.

Are shrimp tacos better with flour or corn tortillas?

Cooks choice! Seafood is a lot lighter and more delicate than beef or chicken. A thinner corn tortilla makes for a wrap that compliments the shrimp. It’s also an excellent gluten-free option. Flour tortillas are sturdy a flexible, good for soaking up sauces without falling apart if not eaten quickly.

Shrimp taco recipe with creamy cilantro lime sauce.

Preventing overcooked shrimp

Shrimp are quick-cooking crustaceans, so it’s crucial to monitor the process. There are two ways to tell if the shrimp is ready. The translucent flesh will turn pale pink and opaque, with some red hues on the surface depending on the variety of shrimp. As the protein cooks, it will start to contract and curl. Look for a loose “C” shape and not a tight “O.” The longer it cooks, it will shrink, lose moisture, and become tough.

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin This

Shrimp Tacos

Juicy shrimp tacos paired with fresh toppings and flavorful seasonings make for a tasty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings 8 tacos
Course Entree
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients 
 

Shrimp Tacos

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, medium, 31/40 count, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika, smoked or sweet
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 8 tortillas, flour or corn, 6" size

Taco Sauce

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions 

  • Season the Shrimp – In a large bowl, combine shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lime juice, salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder. Marinate for 10 minutes.
  • Cook the Shrimp – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and cook until opaque, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.
  • Make the Sauce – In a medium bowl whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, honey, water, cilantro, and salt.
  • Warm the Tortillas – Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the tortillas on each side until warm and lightly browned, about 10 to 15 seconds per side. Wrap in a kitchen towel to keep warm.
  • To Serve – Fill tortillas with shrimp, the taco sauce, and any additional toppings. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Short Video: Watch this recipe come together.
  • Topping Suggestions: Sour cream, creme, cotija cheese, grated Cheddar or Monterey jack, cilantro, pico de Gallo, avocado, guacamole, shredded cabbage, and salsa.
  • Storing: Refrigerate shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Cook in the microwave on high setting in 15 to 30-second increments until hot.
 
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Tacos
Amount per Serving
Calories
158
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
15
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Cholesterol
 
8
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
590
mg
25
%
Potassium
 
71
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
144
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
62
mg
6
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram. I'd love to see how it turns out!

Tag @jessica_gavin

Filed under:

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

Quick & Easy Meals in Under 30 Minutes!
Get 25 simple meals your whole family will love.
Jessica Gavin standing in the kitchen

You May Also Like

Reader Interactions

4 Comments Leave a comment or review

  1. Valerie C. says

    My daughter and I made these for dinner tonight and served them with homemade pineapple salsa and chunky guacamole. Absolutely delicious! I think the taco sauce would be great on your blackened fish/shrimp tacos as well. Jessica your recipes have not let us down yet. My daughter has been hearing me talk about your recipes for over a year, she finally decided to start following you on Instagram 😂

Leave A Reply

Recipe Rating