Zesty Shrimp Tacos: Fiery Bites with Cool Avocado Crema Recipe

These sizzling spicy shrimp tacos with avocado crema burst with flavor that dances across your palate.

Fresh shrimp seared to perfection carries a vibrant kick of heat and zest.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of crisp textures and bold seasonings.

The creamy avocado sauce provides a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the spicy protein.

Tangy lime and cilantro enhance the entire dish with bright, fresh notes.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this restaurant-quality meal you can craft in minutes.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp adds oceanic sweetness and tender protein; choose medium-sized for best texture and quick cooking.
• Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil with smooth, neutral flavor; ensures even shrimp searing without burning.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that tenderizes shrimp and adds zesty freshness.

• Dark Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano: Complex spice blend creating deep, smoky southwestern flavor profile with layers of warmth.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing robust, earthy undertone to shrimp seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant kick to overall dish.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all other seasonings' flavors.

• Avocado, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base creating silky, luxurious sauce with tangy undertones.
• Garlic, Jalapeño: Adds intense, spicy dimension and aromatic complexity to crema.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb bringing bright, clean herbal notes to sauce.
• Lime Juice: Adds acidity and prevents avocado from browning.
• Avocado Oil, Water: Helps achieve perfect blending consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and heightens overall crema flavor.

• Tortillas: Soft, warm foundation for taco; corn offers traditional flavor, flour provides softer texture.

Equipment for Spicy Shrimp Tacos Success

• Food processor: Essential for blending smooth avocado crema with perfect consistency.
• Cast iron skillet or grill skewers: Crucial for cooking shrimp evenly and achieving delicious caramelization.
• Small mixing bowls: Perfect for preparing marinade and mixing cabbage slaw.
• Knife: Needed for chopping cilantro, jalapeño, and preparing ingredients.
• Mandoline or sharp knife: Great for shredding cabbage quickly and uniformly.
• Measuring spoons and tablespoons: Helpful for precise ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Directions to Make Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Flavor Explosion Marinade

Whip up a zesty coating for shrimp using avocado oil, lime juice, and a blend of spices that will make your taste buds dance.

• Creamy Avocado Magic

Blend ripe avocados with cilantro, jalapeño, and yogurt to create a silky smooth sauce that adds a cool punch to your tacos.

• Crunchy Cabbage Slaw

Slice cabbage into delicate ribbons and toss with a touch of the creamy avocado sauce for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

• Sizzling Shrimp Perfection

Cook marinated shrimp quickly on a hot skillet, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful golden color and smoky char.

• Taco Assembly Bliss

Layer warm tortillas with crisp cabbage slaw, place those sizzling shrimp on top, and drizzle with the luscious avocado crema for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Shrimp Taco Flavor Tips and Add-Ons

• Let shrimp sit in the zesty marinade no longer than 30 minutes to prevent the acid from breaking down delicate proteins, ensuring perfectly tender seafood every time.
• Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or Mexican crema for a richer texture, and adjust jalapeño levels to match your personal spice tolerance without overwhelming the dish's delicate balance.
• Grill enthusiasts can use cast iron griddle plates or perforated grill mats to prevent tiny shrimp from slipping through grates, maintaining beautiful char marks and smoky flavors.
• For variety, replace shrimp with grilled fish like mahi-mahi or swap in blackened chicken for a different protein twist that still complements the vibrant avocado crema wonderfully.
• Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers – marinated shrimp, crema, and chopped cabbage can stay fresh for 1-2 days, making weeknight dinner assembly quick and effortless.

Serving Spicy Shrimp Tacos with a Fresh Twist

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant taco station with warm tortillas, extra avocado crema, and lime wedges so guests can customize their own spicy shrimp tacos.
• Beachside Dinner Delight: Serve these tacos with chilled Mexican beer or a crisp margarita to enhance the zesty seafood flavors and transport your taste buds to a coastal paradise.
• Fresh Sides Companion: Pair the tacos with a light summer salad featuring cucumber, jicama, or a simple black bean salsa to balance the spicy shrimp and creamy avocado components.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining shrimp and crema into a refreshing salad or stuff into a wrap for a quick lunch the next day, maximizing your delicious recipe.

Prep and Store Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Ease

• Quick Meal Prep: Break down taco components in advance by mixing marinade, preparing avocado crema, and chopping cabbage up to 24 hours before cooking. Store each element separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and reduce day-of prep time.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep marinated shrimp in an airtight container for maximum 2 days. Store crema and cabbage slaw separately to prevent soggy textures. Place components in separate compartments of your refrigerator to maintain optimal flavor and quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Tips: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp for up to 3 weeks in vacuum-sealed bags. Avocado crema doesn't freeze well due to potential separation, so prepare fresh when ready to enjoy. Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in refrigerator before cooking.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining shrimp and slaw into salads, grain bowls, or quick lunch wraps. Warm tortillas separately to maintain crisp texture. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 2 days for best taste and food safety.

Zesty Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired spicy shrimp tacos reveal complex layers of zesty flavor complemented by cool avocado crema. Crisp tortillas cradle succulent shrimp, while fresh herbs and tangy sauce create a perfect balance for hungry palates you’ll crave again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (453.6 g) shrimp (uncooked, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
• 8 to 10 small flour or corn tortillas (lightly toasted)
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 medium avocado (seed removed and flesh scooped out)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 jalapeño (seeds removed)
• 6 tbsps avocado oil
• 3 tbsps water
• 2 limes (juice)
• 1 tsp dark chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic (minced or garlic powder)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk avocado oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant, aromatic base.
2. Shrimp Preparation: Immerse cleaned shrimp in the zesty marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 15-25 minutes to intensify flavor absorption.
3. Avocado Crema Development: Blend ripe avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, yogurt, and water in a food processor. Pulse until achieving a silky, smooth consistency, adjusting with water as needed and seasoning with kosher salt.
4. Cooking Preparation: Preheat cast iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Spread marinated shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure optimal caramelization.
5. Shrimp Cooking: Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, indicating perfect doneness. Meanwhile, incorporate avocado crema into finely sliced cabbage to create a creamy slaw.
6. Assembly and Garnishing: Briefly warm corn tortillas, then layer with cabbage slaw and perfectly cooked shrimp. Drizzle additional avocado crema, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a vibrant, flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Marinate with Purpose: Let shrimp soak in zesty spices for 15-25 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during grilling, as shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long.
• Crema Consistency Tip: Blend avocado crema gradually, adding water to achieve desired smoothness without becoming too thin.
• Tortilla Temperature Matters: Briefly warm corn tortillas to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking when assembling tacos.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg