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Juicy Shrimp Tacos Platter

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

These shrimp tacos combine plump, juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and spices, layered on toasted tortillas. Crisp shredded cabbage and creamy diced avocado add crunch and richness, while cotija cheese and chopped cilantro bring depth and freshness. A zesty garlic-lime crema sauce ties all elements together, offering a tangy, creamy complement. Toasting the tortillas enhances their flavor and texture, creating an authentic and satisfying bite. Perfect for a quick, vibrant meal packed with balanced flavors and textures.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:42:29 GMT
Shrimp tacos on a white plate. Save
Shrimp tacos on a white plate. | lilicooks.com

These shrimp tacos bring together juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with crisp cabbage, creamy avocado, and a bright garlic-lime crema that makes every bite lively. They come together quickly, making them a fantastic weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. The balance of textures and flavors captures that fresh, authentic Mexican taste that will have you reaching for seconds.

I first made these tacos on a warm spring evening, and they instantly became a family favorite. Now they’re requested at almost every taco night because they hit the perfect mix of tangy, spicy, and fresh.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: one pound raw medium or large, the star of the dish offering tender and juicy bites
  • Garlic clove: pressed or minced, brings a punch of aromatic flavor to the shrimp
  • Sea salt: half teaspoon, enhances all the other seasonings
  • Black pepper: quarter teaspoon, adds a subtle heat
  • Ground cumin: quarter teaspoon, gives a warm earthiness that complements the shrimp
  • Cayenne pepper: quarter teaspoon, provides a gentle kick, adjust based on your spice preference
  • Olive oil: one tablespoon, for sautéing shrimp, choose extra virgin for best flavor
  • White corn tortillas: eight small (six inch), traditional and lightly toasted for that authentic Mexican texture
  • Purple cabbage: half small, shredded, for crisp crunch and color contrast
  • Large avocado: one, peeled and diced, adds creaminess and cool balance
  • Red onion: half, diced, sharp bite to complement the creamy avocado
  • Cotija cheese: four ounces, grated, salty and crumbly, an essential topping for an authentic touch
  • Cilantro: quarter bunch, coarsely chopped, fresh herbaceous flavor brightens the tacos
  • Lime juice: one and a half tablespoons freshly squeezed, adds zesty brightness
  • Sour cream: one third cup, creamy base for the sauce
  • Mayonnaise: one third cup, adds richness to the sauce
  • Garlic powder: three quarters teaspoon, deepens the flavor in the sauce
  • Sriracha sauce: three quarters teaspoon or to taste, adds gentle heat and sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce:
Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest. You can transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling later.
Prep the Toppings:
Thinly slice the purple cabbage for crisp texture. Dice the avocado carefully to keep pieces intact and creamy. Finely dice the red onion to add a sharp note. Coarsely chop cilantro for a fresh herbal punch. Arrange all in separate bowls for easy access when assembling tacos.
Season the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry after thawing to ensure they sauté properly. Place in a medium bowl and add garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne. Toss gently to coat every shrimp evenly with the seasoning.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for one to two minutes on each side just until the shrimp turn white inside and have pink and red accents on the outside. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender. Transfer cooked shrimp to a platter and let them cool slightly.
Heat the Tortillas:
Toast the white corn tortillas over a gas flame on medium low heat for about 10 seconds per side until slightly charred for smoky flavor. Alternatively, use a hot griddle or broil them in the oven for a couple of minutes until you see browned spots. No oil is needed here.
To Serve:
Layer tortillas with cabbage, avocado, red onion, cotija cheese, cilantro, and shrimp. Drizzle generously with the garlic-lime crema sauce. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Shrimp tacos with tomatoes and lettuce. Save
Shrimp tacos with tomatoes and lettuce. | lilicooks.com

One of my fondest moments with this recipe was during a summer cookout when everyone gathered around clumsily stacking their tacos and picking their favorite toppings. The garlic-lime crema sauce is my favorite part because it ties all the flavors together with creaminess and a bit of tang that keeps me coming back for more.

Storage Tips

Keep shrimp, taco sauce, and toppings stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat shrimp gently in a pan over low heat to keep them tender. Avoid reheating the avocado to maintain its fresh texture. The sauce stays fresh for up to a week refrigerated but do not freeze it because the texture changes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cotija cheese, queso fresco or feta works well for a similar salty crumbly topping. For the cabbage, shredded iceberg lettuce or kale can be swapped but keep in mind the texture will be different. If fresh shrimp is not available, thawed frozen shrimp works fine. Ground chili powder can replace cayenne if you want a milder spice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a fuller meal. Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce make great accompaniments if you want to kick up the heat. A light margarita or a crisp beer pairs beautifully with these flavorful shrimp tacos.

Cultural Context

Shrimp tacos originated in the coastal regions of Mexico where fresh seafood is abundant. They reflect a tradition of combining simple, fresh ingredients with bold flavors. Using corn tortillas and cotija cheese stays true to Mexican culinary heritage while adding toppings like avocado and cabbage brings in modern freshness.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to cook shrimp for these tacos?

Sauté the shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque with pink accents. This ensures they stay juicy and tender.

→ How can I toast the tortillas for more flavor?

Toast them over a gas flame carefully for about 10 seconds each side, or use a hot griddle/skillet until lightly charred edges appear. Oven broiling works too.

→ What can I substitute if I don’t have cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a good substitute as it has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, complementing the taco toppings well.

→ How do I make the creamy sauce for these tacos?

Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and a touch of Sriracha to create a zesty garlic-lime crema that balances the shrimp’s seasoning.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the shrimp, toppings, and sauce ahead. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge and warm the tortillas before assembling just before serving.

Shrimp Tacos Platter

Tender shrimp, crisp cabbage, avocado, and creamy lime sauce on toasted tortillas for a fresh taste.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 8 Serves (8 tacos)

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp

01 1 lb raw medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1 garlic clove, minced
03 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 1/4 tsp ground cumin
06 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
07 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Shrimp Taco Sauce

08 1/3 cup sour cream
09 1/3 cup mayonnaise
10 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
11 3/4 tsp garlic powder
12 3/4 tsp Sriracha sauce, or to taste

→ Toppings

13 8 small white corn tortillas (6 inch diameter) or hard taco shells
14 2 cups shredded purple cabbage (about 1/2 small cabbage)
15 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
16 1/2 red onion, finely diced
17 4 oz cotija cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
18 1/4 bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped
19 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges

Steps

Step 01

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and Sriracha in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld. Transfer to a squeeze bottle if desired.

Step 02

Thinly shred cabbage, dice avocado, finely dice red onion, and coarsely chop cilantro. Arrange all toppings in individual bowls for easy assembly.

Step 03

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Toss to evenly coat.

Step 04

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and sauté 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 05

Toast tortillas directly over a gas flame for about 10 seconds per side, or heat on a griddle until lightly golden and pliable. Alternatively, broil tortillas in the oven for 2 minutes until browned spots appear.

Step 06

Place shrimp on each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Drizzle with garlic-lime crema sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips

  1. Shrimp seasoning can be replaced with 1 tablespoon of store-bought taco seasoning for convenience.
  2. Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
  3. Make the shrimp, toppings, and sauce ahead and store separately in airtight containers. Heat tortillas just before serving.
  4. To toast tortillas on a gas stove, carefully char each side for about 10 seconds until edges darken slightly.

Required Tools

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grater
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 308
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 17 g