Description
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos are bold, zesty, and weeknight-fast. Shrimp are marinated in a smoky chili-lime blend, quickly seared, then served in warm corn tortillas with crisp lettuce and a creamy cilantro-lime crema for the perfect spicy-cool bite.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons lime juice
8 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon lime juice (for crema)
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Let sit 10 minutes.
2. Make the crema: Blend sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
4. Warm tortillas: Char tortillas in a dry skillet (or over a flame) until warm and pliable.
5. Assemble tacos: Fill tortillas with shrimp, shredded lettuce, crema, green onions, and extra cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the spice: Use mild chili powder for less heat, or add a pinch of cayenne for more kick.
Tortilla tip: Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a towel so they stay soft.
Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove as soon as they turn opaque to keep them juicy.
Swap options: Chicken strips or firm white fish can replace shrimp.
Storage: Store cooked shrimp and crema separately in the fridge up to 2 days; assemble fresh for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg