Description
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos are a fast, flavorful, and satisfying recipe perfect for busy weeknights or easy dinner ideas. Juicy, smoky shrimp are pan-seared with a bold spice blend, then layered into warm tortillas with a creamy, zesty cilantro-lime slaw. Whether you’re after a healthy snack or need quick dinner ideas, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, bursting with contrast and flavor. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big rewards for little effort — a true food idea win for taco night!
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
2 cups shredded green cabbage or romaine lettuce
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/3 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
3. In a bowl, combine sour cream or mayo, lime juice, cilantro, cabbage or lettuce, salt, and optional garlic or jalapeño. Mix well and chill.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until lightly toasted and pliable.
5. Assemble tacos by layering creamy slaw, shrimp, a squeeze of lime, and extra cilantro in each tortilla. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat shrimp thoroughly dry before cooking for the best sear.
Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing cayenne pepper.
Chill the slaw for at least 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: spicy shrimp tacos, easy dinner, quick dinner, taco night, seafood tacos, healthy snack