These easy Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate warm weather meal packed with spicy shrimp, crunchy lime slaw, and creamy avocado all wrapped in a warm corn tortilla. Yum. Taco lovers should also try these Grilled Chicken Tacos and Steak Tacos.
Have I told you before about my deep love of shrimp tacos? There is just nothing better than sweet shrimp tossed in smoky chipotle chili powder and packed into warm corn tortillas with crunchy cabbage slaw and avocado. And the fact that I can make everything in under 20 minutes makes me love this meal even more. Especially as it gets warmer every night, I pretty much only want dinners like this. Something cool and crunchy and refreshing is the perfect remedy for a hot night.
Depending on what you are in the mood for, this recipe can be made with almost any fish or scallops as well. You can also blend the avocado, cilantro, and cumin with a touch of yogurt or sour cream if you prefer a creamy dressing for the slaw. Think about this recipe as your base for building some incredible shrimp tacos.
What goes well with shrimp tacos?
There are so many delicious things you can serve with these yummy tacos. Here are some of the ones I reach for the most often.
- Grilled corn cooked until the outside is charred is one of the best summer side dishes around. Slather it with light mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder to stay in the Mexican theme.
- You can also cut that corn off the cob and make an amazing Black Bean and Corn Salad.
- Salads are hard to beat when it's warm out and this Mexican Chopped Salad with an amazing honey lime dressing is delicious.
- Go the traditional route and serve it with some Mexican Rice and Quick Refried Beans.
How to cook shrimp for tacos?
To keep things easy, I like to cook my shrimp in a skillet for tacos. All you need to do is toss them with some oil and spices. Then add them to the skillet and cook over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. They are ready when they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to let your shrimp overcook since it will get tough.
You can also throw these shrimp on the grill. Since they can fall through the grates pretty easily, use a grill basket or thread them onto skewers. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side.
Lastly, you could also use the broiler to make shrimp for tacos. Just spread the shrimp out on a sheet pan and place under a hot broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side.
What toppings go well with shrimp tacos?
When choosing toppings for tacos with shrimp, you want to make sure to find things that won't cover the taste of the shrimp. Since it is a more expensive ingredient, you want to be able to taste it. That's why we like to stick to a simple cabbage slaw flavored with lime juice and cilantro. It also adds a great crunch to the tacos.
If you aren't in the mood for cabbage slaw, you can go more traditional and reach for diced onions, cilantro, salsa, chopped avocado, guacamole, or sour cream. When choosing a salsa, look for something that isn't too smoky since the shrimp is already seasoned with chipotle powder. I like something light and refreshing like pico de gallo or mild green salsa.
Recipe Ideas for Shrimp Tacos
There are lots of ways to customize this recipe and make it your own.
- Mango salsa: When I am not in the mood for the cabbage slaw, you can be assured I am making a simple mango slaw. All you need it chopped mango, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. It adds a delicious sweetness to the spicy shrimp.
- Tone down the spice: These tacos aren't overly spicy but the chipotle chili powder does pack a punch. To down it down, you can leave it out completely or use regular chili powder instead, which tends to be less spicy.
- Make taco bowls: For something different, swap in cooked brown or cauliflower rice for the tortillas and make taco bowls. This is a great option for meal prep.
- Use lettuce wraps: For a low carb option, wrap up your shrimp tacos in lettuce wraps.
- Make crispy taco shells: To add a crunchy option, make baked taco shells. They only take 8-10 minutes in the oven.
- Make tostadas: Another option is to make tostadas. Start by baking the tortillas in the oven at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Spread on some refried black beans, shrimp, the avocado slaw, and some queso fresco.
Can I make these with frozen shrimp?
Generally speaking, you don't want to cook with frozen shrimp since the outside quickly overcooks while the inside remains raw. Instead, place the shrimp in the fridge the night before you plan on making the tacos so your shrimp is ready to cook. You can also buy previously defrosted shrimp.
How do defrost frozen shrimp quickly?
If you need your shrimp quickly, start by placing the shrimp in a large bowl in the sink. Cover them with cold water and let the water continue to run into the bowl at a slow trickle. After about 15 minutes, your shrimp will be ready to cook. Just make sure to dry them before cooking to remove any excess water.
How do I know if shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and is opaque. It should be firm to the touch, but not rubbery. Since shrimp will continue to cook for a couple of minutes after it is removed from the heat, it is best to remove the shrimp as soon as they are pink and firm.
Can I cook shrimp on the grill for tacos?
Absolutely! The grill adds even more flavor to the shrimp. They will take 2-3 minutes per side on a hot grill. One note, use a grill basket or skewers so the shrimp don't fall through the grill grates.
What are the best shrimp to buy for tacos?
There are lots of different sizes and options when it comes to shrimp. The first decision will be to buy frozen or fresh. Frozen is fine and usually is a bit more affordable. Next look for shrimp that has the shell removed and has been deveined. This will save you lots of prep time. Finally, you can buy any size shrimp you like. Just be aware that it will affect the cooking time. Usually, I look for medium to large shrimp, with a count around 20-24 shrimp per pound.