These spicy shrimp tacos are a burst of flavor! Juicy shrimp, spiced just right, are wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a creamy avocado sauce. Yum!
I love how the cool avocado crema balances out the spice. Plus, they’re quick to make, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner when you’re short on time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used here. If you’re looking for a substitute, try diced chicken, firm tofu, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika give a great kick. Feel free to tweak the seasoning! If you want less heat, skip the chili powder or use smoked paprika for a unique flavor.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can be used if you prefer something softer. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Avocado: If ripe avocados aren’t available, you can use guacamole or even a store-bought avocado dip. Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream for a healthier twist.
How Do I Ensure the Shrimp Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp may seem tricky, but it’s simple once you know how! The key is to avoid overcooking them. Perfectly cooked shrimp should turn opaque and curl into a C shape. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high—let it get hot before adding the shrimp.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They cook really fast!
- Once opaque, take them off the heat immediately to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 35-40 minutes, which includes around 15-20 minutes for marinating the shrimp and cooking everything. It’s quick and perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner or a fun meal with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Pour in the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated in the spices. Now, let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes to soak in all those wonderful flavors.
2. Prepare the Avocado Crema:
While the shrimp is marinating, let’s whip up that creamy avocado sauce! Grab a blender or food processor and add the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed, then set it aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and ready, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are cooked through. This should only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on them!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp cooks, you can warm the tortillas. You can do this in another skillet for a minute on each side or pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds—just until they’re nice and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Start with a tortilla and layer on some of the shredded green and red cabbage for crunch. Next, place a few of the delicious shrimp right on top, then drizzle with that creamy avocado crema. Yum!
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish off your tacos, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze some fresh lime juice over their tacos before digging in. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Another Protein for the Shrimp?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken or tofu, simply adjust the cooking time. Chicken should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, while tofu only needs about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
How to Make the Avocado Crema Dairy-Free?
You can easily make the avocado crema dairy-free by substituting the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or blended silken tofu. This will still yield a creamy texture without the dairy!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftovers by keeping the shrimp, tortilla, and toppings separate. Place the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the tortillas can be wrapped in foil or stored in a bag. Assemble fresh tacos when ready to eat to keep everything crisp!
Can I Prepare the Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the shrimp and prepare the avocado crema in advance! Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Cook the shrimp and warm the tortillas just before serving to ensure that everything stays fresh and flavorful.
