30-Minute Irresistible Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw

Not giving in to the urge for tacos is challenging when you want something bold, spicy, and filling. It’s been a while since I had hot shrimp tacos at a food truck. When you put the spicy shrimp with the cool, creamy avocado-lime slaw, you get the perfect mix of tastes. I was so moved by the experience that I quickly made my version of hot shrimp tacos with avocado-lime slaw, and I can say without a doubt that it changed the game!

When you want to make a dish that will stand out for taco night or a dinner party, these tacos are always a tasty choice. With its juicy shrimp and tangy slaw, this recipe is ideal for any time of year because it is both excellent and delicious.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

370

kcal

Indulge in these vibrant and delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos paired with a fresh Avocado-Lime Slaw. This recipe combines succulent marinated shrimp with a zesty and creamy slaw tucked into warm corn tortillas, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Ideal for those who love a kick of spice balanced with the cooling flavors of avocado and lime.

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Avocado-Lime Slaw

• 2 ripe avocados

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Tacos and Toppings

• 8 corn tortillas

• Optional: salsa, jalapeños, sour cream, hot sauce

Directions

• Marinating the Shrimp
• Start by preparing your shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the spices to seep into the shrimp for maximum flavor.
• Preparing the Avocado-Lime Slaw
• While the shrimp is marinating, you can start making the slaw. In a large bowl, mash the avocados until smooth, then mix in lime juice, cilantro, and shredded cabbage—season with salt and pepper to taste. The lime juice will give the slaw a refreshing tang, while the creamy avocado balances the spiciness of the shrimp.
• Cooking the Shrimp
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and slightly crispy on the edges. The shrimp might go rubbery if they are overcooked, so watch out.

Notes

• Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can also prepare the shrimp marinade the night before to save time. This also helps deepen the flavor as the shrimp soaks up all the spices.
• For a crunchier texture, try adding sliced radishes or shredded carrots to the slaw. If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap out the avocado for Greek yogurt or light sour cream.
• You can also grill the shrimp if you prefer a charred, smoky flavor. Just thread them onto skewers and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Assembling Your Tacos

Heating the Tortillas

A warm, stretchy tortilla is critical to making a delicious taco. Put the corn tortillas in a dry pan and cook them for 30 seconds on each side. Wrapped in a damp paper towel, you can also microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds.

To make the tortillas taste even better, lightly char them over an open flame on the stove for a few seconds. The result is a slightly crispy, smokey tortilla that goes perfectly with the shrimp.

Building the Tacos

It’s time to put together your tacos. First, put the avocado-lime sauce on the bottom of the tortilla. Next, place the shrimp on top. You can add jalapeños, salsa, or hot sauce as extra toppings to make it taste even better.

Serve these tacos with grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a refreshing change. Because the fruit is sweet, it tastes great with the spicy shrimp.

Why This Recipe Works

Spicy shrimp tacos and creamy avocado-lime sauce go well together because they have different tastes and textures. The smooth avocado cools down the heat from the shrimp spices, and the lime juice gives it a tangy, fresh flavor. Plus, shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, so this food is both tasty and beneficial for you.

There are numerous ways to customize this recipe. You can easily adjust the amount of spice to your liking, whether you prefer things hot or not so hot.

Tips for Customizing Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Adjusting the Heat Level

If you don’t like too much heat, cut back on or leave out the cayenne pepper in the shrimp marinade. If you want your food really hot, you can add more pepper or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce. For an extra kick of heat, you can add some sliced jalapeno or jalapeño peppers. This is a helpful guide to learning about the different types of peppers and how hot they are.

Making It Vegetarian

You can make this dish without shrimp by substituting tofu or grilled veggies. Instead of chicken, you can use portobello mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use the same mix of spices to marinate the vegetables, then grill or pan-fry them until they are soft. For more veggie taco ideas, check out this vegetarian taco recipe.

Gluten-Free Option

For this recipe to be gluten-free, make sure you use approved gluten-free corn tortillas. Always make sure that any extras, like salsa or store-bought toppings, are also gluten-free. Learn more about gluten-free alternatives here.

Pairing Suggestions for Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Side Dishes

Add some traditional Mexican sides to your hot shrimp tacos to make a complete meal. You could have rice, black beans, or chips with guacamole. For a change of pace, try elote, which is Mexican street corn. It will make your taco night taste even better. You can find a tremendous Elote recipe here.

Drinks

There’s no such thing as a taco night without a cool drink. A classic margarita or a cold, light beer would go well with these tacos. If you want to eat these spicy tacos without drinking booze, agua fresca, which is sparkling water with lime, will do.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have extras, keep the shrimp and slaw separate so the tacos don’t get wet. Store the shrimp in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. If necessary, refrigerate the avocado-lime slaw for a day. It tastes best when it’s fresh.

Put the shrimp back in the pan and heat it on medium-low for two to three minutes or until it’s warm all the way through. If you microwave the shrimp, they might get tricky.

Conclusion

The avocado-lime slaw that goes with these spicy shrimp tacos is the perfect mix of cool, creamy, and hot. They’re quick and easy to make, and everyone will love them at any event. This taco recipe is sure to please, whether you’re looking for a new one for your family or a dish to wow your guests.

Try this recipe and report back to me on the results! Feel free to experiment with the toppings and spice levels to make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions