Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Quick, Tasty, and Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This spicy shrimp taco recipe is in the permanent recipe rotation at my house. They are so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight or as an after-school snack for my kids, and my husband asks for them all the time. The plump shrimp cooks up in no time, and you can add any toppings you like!

Shrimp is not always everyone’s favorite, but making them into tacos helps with the texture and makes the shrimp taste even better! If your kids are squeamish about seafood, I suggest you start with these shrimp tacos. They’ll love the mild taste of the shrimp. These tacos are versatile, fast, and oh-so-yummy!

Easy Shrimp Taco Ingredients

Shrimp tacos are so easy to make and come together in no time! Shrimp is a decadent choice that is perfect for tacos – simple to cook up, has an amazing taste and texture, and pairs well with a wide range of spices and toppings. I like to combine the shrimp with the following ingredients to create one of my favorite taco dinners:

• Olive oil – Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet with oil. This will give the shrimp that pretty pink/opaque coloring.
• Shrimp – Use small to medium shrimp that is uncooked, deveined, peeled, and tails removed. You can often buy these in the frozen seafood section of your grocery store.
• Cajun seasoning – This cooks into the shrimp, adding little heat and a lot of sweet and savory flavor.
• Corn tortillas – For an extra added touch, place the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat and warm them, to make them softer and easier to use.
• Cabbage – It is easiest to use pre-shredded cabbage. The cabbage adds a nice crispy texture and helps reduce the spicy heat in the tacos. It is like a slaw.
• Sriracha – Adds more flavor and spice. Perfect for kicking up the heat a little more!
• Cilantro – Garnish on top for extra color and fresh flavor.
• Limes – Squeeze fresh lime juice over top of the tacos. The lime zest balances the ingredients together.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos in 10 Minutes

Make your taco Tuesday even better with these easy shrimp tacos! Just cook the shrimp, layer the tacos, and within ten minutes you can have your favorite dinner ready to enjoy!

1. Prepare shrimp – Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. While the oil is heating, place the shrimp in a bowl and toss it with Cajun seasoning. 
2. Cook shrimp – When the oil is hot, add a single layer of shrimp. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp is pink, opaque, and cooked through. 
3. Layer – Place shredded cabbage on the tortillas and top with cooked shrimp, creamy Sriracha, and cilantro. Serve with sliced limes. 

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Tacos

Here are a few tips for creating the best shrimp tacos:

Toppings to Add

The beauty of these shrimp tacos is how much you can dress them up or down, depending on your mood or your family’s preferences. Lay out a spread of toppings for everyone to create their own perfect taco!

• Coleslaw – Make homemade coleslaw or buy the pre-shredded cabbage from the store to save on time.
• Cheese – Use your favorite cheese or experiment around to see what works best for you. My go-to is Queso fresco (or cotija cheese). I also like to use Mexican blend, cheddar cheese, or Monterey jack cheese.
• Avocado – Use avocado to make fresh homemade guacamole to spread, or slice avocados for a delicious addition.
• Vegetables – Canned corn, black beans, chopped fresh onions, or any of your favorite vegetables.
• Fruit – Pineapple and mango, cut and sliced, to add on top of the tacos. This gives it a light, refreshing, and fruity flavor with lots of fun colors.

Seasonings to Use

Since shrimp has such a mild flavor, I love to kick up the heat in this recipe with Cajun or Creole seasoning. I use Tony Chachere’s seasoning because I think it has tremendous flavor and just the right amount of heat. Regular taco seasoning tastes delicious too if that’s what you have on hand.

Homemade Seafood Taco Sauce

For the sake of ease, I use creamy Sriracha from the grocery store. If you don’t have any on hand, it is super easy to make! Just combine about ⅓ cup mayonnaise with as much Sriracha as you think you can handle, and a little squeeze of lime. If you want to make it a little creamier, add sour cream until it reaches the consistency you like. 

Storing Shrimp Tacos

Separate all the ingredients into individual bags and airtight containers, and place them (except for the corn tortillas) in the refrigerator. Store for four to five days. The tortillas will stay safe in the pantry at room temperature or cooler. Assemble when ready to eat, and reheat them in the microwave or oven.

What Goes Well With Shrimp Tacos?

Serve one of these delicious side dishes alongside your shrimp tacos, to make a satisfying and filling meal:
Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice
Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
Mexican Street Corn
Black Bean Soup
Mexican Corn Cake
Homemade Refried Beans