Description
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema are a fresh, flavorful, and fast dinner option perfect for taco night. Juicy shrimp are seasoned with smoky spices, quickly pan-seared, and tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and a creamy, zesty avocado sauce. Light, satisfying, and full of bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1½ cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to ensure every piece is flavorful.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Avocado Crema: In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave them until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay a warm tortilla flat, layer with a handful of shredded cabbage or slaw mix, add several cooked shrimp, drizzle generously with avocado crema, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- You can grill the shrimp for a smoky twist instead of pan-searing.
- Add pickled onions to the tacos for extra zing and crunch.
- For a dairy-free avocado crema, substitute sour cream with plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
