These easy shrimp tacos are packed with flavor and super quick to make! Juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and zesty sauce come together in soft tortillas for a tasty meal.
Making these tacos always puts a smile on my face! They’re perfect for a busy night—just throw everything together and enjoy a delicious dinner in no time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for these tacos. If you’re watching your budget or prefer something else, consider using chicken or canned black beans as a substitute.
Olive Oil: This oil adds flavor, but you might use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you don’t have olive oil. Both will work well for cooking the shrimp.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you want a bit more heat, try adding some cayenne pepper. For a milder option, simply reduce the chili powder.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a nice texture and flavor, but flour tortillas are great too! If gluten-free is a concern, look for gluten-free tortillas made from corn or almond flour.
Avocado: Fresh avocado makes these tacos creamy. If you can’t find avocados, a dollop of guacamole works well as a substitute.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly for Tacos?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This helps them sear nicely.
- Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Avoid overcrowding your skillet; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Keep an eye on them as they cook—you want delicious, succulent shrimp, not rubbery ones. Timing is everything, so stay close to the stove!
How to Make Easy Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional: sour cream or crumbled feta cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes to cook. So, in just 20 minutes, you can have delicious shrimp tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is well coated with the seasoning. This will give your shrimp lots of flavor!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. This cooking process is quick, so keep an eye on them!
3. Preparing the Tortillas:
While your shrimp are cooking, warm the tortillas in another skillet or on a grill until they are pliable. This will make them easier to fold when you fill them with your delicious shrimp.
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and place a few cooked shrimp on it. Top with a slice of avocado, a handful of diced cherry tomatoes, some red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Get creative with your toppings!
5. Adding Lime and Toppings:
Squeeze a little lime juice over your tacos for a fresh burst of flavor. If you’d like, add some sour cream or crumbled feta cheese on top for extra creaminess. Yum!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these scrumptious shrimp tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. They are perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to avoid excess water in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for the Tortillas?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are a great choice! You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative. Just make sure to adjust the other toppings accordingly to balance flavors.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos
Store the cooked shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, and warm the tortillas quickly in the microwave or on a skillet. Assemble just before serving to keep tortillas from getting soggy.
Can I Make This Tacos Spicier?
Yes, definitely! You can add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños when cooking the shrimp. For an extra kick, top tacos with hot sauce or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes just before serving.
