# Shrimp Tacos

Smoky, spice-rubbed shrimp in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and a lime crema that ties it all together. Ready in under 30 minutes.

_Dinner · Mexican-American_

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 10 min · Total: 25 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 1 ½ lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails off)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges, for serving)

## Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp ground cumin, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper.
2. Add the 1.5 lb shrimp to the spice mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the slaw and crema.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 0.5 cup shredded red cabbage with the 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Let sit for at least 5 minutes to lightly soften.
4. Stir the 0.25 cup fresh cilantro into the slaw and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the 0.5 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp lime zest until smooth. Season with salt to taste. This is your lime crema.
6. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat.
7. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer — work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred at the edges. Transfer to a plate.
8. Warm the 8 tortillas directly over a gas flame for 20 to 30 seconds per side, or in a dry skillet over medium heat, until pliable and lightly toasted.
9. Assemble each taco: spread a spoonful of lime crema on a tortilla, top with a generous pinch of slaw, 3 to 4 shrimp, and a slice or two of avocado.
10. Serve immediately with lime wedges alongside for squeezing over the top.

## Tip

> Cook the shrimp in a single layer and resist moving them for the first 90 seconds — that contact time is what builds the lightly charred crust that keeps them from tasting steamed.

Tags: weeknight, 30-minute, one-pan, seafood, tacos

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/shrimp-tacos