Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe

Hola friends! If there’s one recipe that brings together everything I love about Mexican flavors, it’s these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema. Back home in sunny Orlando, tacos were more than just food, they were a way to celebrate family, laughter, and bold flavor.
These tacos are spicy, creamy, and unbelievably fresh, combining tender shrimp marinated with chili and lime, crisp slaw, and a cool avocado crema that ties it all together.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a night when you’re craving something fun, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Quick Recipe Overview

| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Marinate Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 minutes |
| Total Time | 51 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Mexican-Inspired |

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Every bite has spicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty lime.
• Quick and Fresh: Dinner ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Perfect for Taco Tuesday: A fun, colorful meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste: Impress your guests with a simple yet stunning dish.

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Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb shrimp (uncooked, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
• 1 tsp dark chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp minced garlic (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tsp)
• 3 tbsp avocado oil

Avocado Crema

• 1 medium avocado (seed removed)
• ½ cup cilantro
• 1 jalapeño (seeds removed)
• 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
• Juice of 2 limes (3 tbsp)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 3 tbsp water
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Taco Elements / Garnish

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Ingredient Tips

| Ingredient | Tip Example |
| Shrimp | Use large shrimp for juicy texture and grill marks. |
| Avocado | Pick a ripe avocado for smooth crema. |
| Greek Yogurt | Substitute with sour cream for a tangier flavor. |
| Cabbage | Mix green and purple for color and crunch. |
| Lime Juice | Always use fresh limes for best flavor. |
| Tortillas | Lightly toast them before assembling tacos. |
| Jalapeño | Remove seeds for mild heat, keep them for spice lovers. |

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add shrimp, coat evenly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Avocado Crema: In a food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, oil, water, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water for a thinner consistency. Set aside.
3. Make the Slaw: In a small bowl, mix shredded cabbages with a few spoonfuls of avocado crema. Toss to combine and refrigerate until serving.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Remove from heat.
5. Warm the Tortillas: Toast tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a low flame for 15–20 seconds per side.
6. Assemble the Tacos: Layer each tortilla with cabbage slaw, shrimp, and a drizzle of avocado crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t over-marinate shrimp, 30 minutes is enough since lime juice can start to cook them.
• Make the crema ahead of time for quick assembly.
• Use a piping bag or small plastic bag with a snipped corner to drizzle the crema neatly.
• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or diced mango.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Heat Control: Cook shrimp over medium-high heat for the perfect char.
• Shrimp Doneness: When shrimp curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque, they’re ready.
• Balance Flavors: The spicy shrimp and cool crema create contrast, don’t skip the crema.
• Serve Fresh: Assemble tacos just before serving to keep textures perfect.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Thread shrimp on skewers and grill for smoky flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Tropical Twist: Add pineapple salsa for a sweet-spicy combination.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with grilled cauliflower or crispy chickpeas.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

Marinate shrimp up to 6 hours in advance and store in the fridge. The avocado crema can be prepared 1 day ahead and stored airtight with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. Leftover cooked shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your shrimp tacos with a side of cilantro lime rice, black beans, or roasted corn. A refreshing watermelon agua fresca or mango smoothie pairs perfectly for a light, summery meal.

Pairing Ideas

Pair with chilled white wine, lime margaritas, or sparkling water with fresh mint. For sides, try tortilla chips and salsa, grilled corn, or Mexican street corn salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover shrimp separately from the slaw and crema in airtight containers. Reheat shrimp in a skillet for 2–3 minutes or microwave briefly. Assemble tacos fresh for best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

2. How spicy are these tacos?
They’re medium-spicy, but you can adjust by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes.

3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a more authentic Mexican flavor.

4. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Use sour cream or dairy-free yogurt for similar creaminess.

5. Can I bake the shrimp instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 6–8 minutes or until cooked through.

6. How long does avocado crema last?
It keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge if sealed tightly.

7. Can I make the slaw creamier?
Add more avocado crema or a spoonful of mayo to the cabbage mix.

Nutrition Info

| Serving Size | 1 serving (2 tacos) |
| Calories | 950 |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Carbohydrates | 173 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 161 mg |
| Sodium | 935 mg |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Author’s Note

When I make these tacos for my family, the kitchen becomes a fiesta. The smell of sizzling shrimp mixed with lime and garlic reminds me of the colorful mercados I visited in Mexico. It’s one of those recipes that feels festive, even on a quiet Tuesday night.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema are the perfect mix of bold flavor, creamy texture, and fresh crunch. They’re quick, delicious, and will transport you straight to a coastal Mexican kitchen.

If you love vibrant seafood dishes like this, check out my Copycat Texas Roadhouse Baked Salmon. It’s another healthy, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for seafood lovers!