# Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

> Toss 500 g peeled shrimp with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, lime and oil. Sear in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Blend avocado, sour cream, lime and cilantro into a crema. Fill warm tortillas with shredded red cabbage, corn, shrimp and crema and serve with lime wedges.

Source: https://www.savourrecipes.com/recipe/shrimp-tacos
Author: Cookwithmrdots | Published: Oct 28, 2026 | Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Categories: Easy Dinner Recipes, Healthy Recipes
Collections: Quick Weeknight Dinners, Summer Recipes
Tags: 30-Minute Meals, High Protein, Kid Friendly

Shrimp cook in about 4 minutes, which makes these tacos one of the fastest dinners we make. A smoky chili-lime seasoning, a quick avocado crema blended with lime and cilantro, and plenty of crunchy cabbage give every bite a mix of heat, creaminess and crunch.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cook time: 10 mins
- Total time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Method: Pan-searing
- Calories: 420 per serving

## Ingredients

### Shrimp

- 500 g large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tbsp for the pan
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
### Avocado crema

- 1 ripe avocado
- 125 ml sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water, as needed
### Tacos

- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen, or charred
- cilantro, sliced red onion and lime wedges, for serving

## Equipment

- Large skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Medium bowl

## Instructions

1. **Make the crema.** Blend the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and salt until smooth, adding water a spoonful at a time until it is pourable. Set aside.
2. **Season the shrimp.** Pat the shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and lime zest.
3. **Sear the shrimp.** Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque and just curled into a C shape. Squeeze over the lime juice and take off the heat.
4. **Warm the tortillas.** Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
5. **Assemble.** Fill each tortilla with cabbage, corn and a few shrimp. Drizzle with avocado crema and top with cilantro and red onion. Serve with lime wedges.

## Tips

- Shrimp go from tender to rubbery quickly. Take them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque; a tight O shape means overcooked.
- Thaw frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat very dry so they sear instead of steam.
- Use corn tortillas to make the tacos gluten-free.

## Variations

- Fish tacos: use 500 g firm white fish such as cod, cooked to 70°C (158°F) and flaked.
- Add a mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, jalapeño and lime.
- Grill the shrimp on skewers over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side.

## Storage

- Fridge: Store the shrimp, crema and toppings separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Press plastic wrap onto the crema to slow browning.
- Reheat: Warm the shrimp briefly in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or enjoy cold in a salad.

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420 | 30 g | 40 g | 17 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque all the way through and curl into a loose C shape. Large shrimp take 1-2 minutes per side in a hot skillet.

### Can I use frozen shrimp for tacos?

Yes. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Pat them very dry before seasoning so they sear well.

### What goes on shrimp tacos?

Crunchy cabbage or slaw, something creamy like avocado crema or chipotle mayo, fresh cilantro, onion and plenty of lime. Corn, mango or pickled onions are good extras.

### Are shrimp tacos healthy?

Shrimp are lean and high in protein, and these tacos are full of vegetables. Two tacos with crema have about 420 calories and 30 g of protein.