Jul 14 2026

Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Make Shrimp Tacos Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp

Method

Shrimp

  1. 1

    Prep the shrimp

    Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Place in a medium bowl.

  2. 2

    Season

    Add olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice to the shrimp. Toss until evenly coated and let sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavors.

  3. 3

    Cook

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a drizzle of oil if the pan is dry. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in two batches if necessary). Sear 1.5–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight golden edges. Total cook time per batch ~3–4 minutes. Remove shrimp to a plate and keep warm.

Quick Slaw

  1. 4

    Combine slaw ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add shredded green and red cabbage, carrot, and chopped cilantro. Toss until well coated. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed. Refrigerate while you cook shrimp to let flavors meld.

Sauce (Chipotle-Lime Crema)

  1. 5

    Make crema

    In a small bowl, stir together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, adobo sauce, optional chopped chipotle, lime juice, and salt. Add 1 teaspoon water if needed to reach a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust heat or acidity. Refrigerate until assembly.

Assembly & Garnish

  1. 6

    Warm tortillas

    Warm tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat 20–30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp towel and microwave 30–40 seconds until pliable.

  2. 7

    Build tacos

    Place 2–3 tablespoons of slaw in the center of each tortilla. Top with 3–4 shrimp (depending on size). Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of chipotle-lime crema over the shrimp. Add 2–3 avocado slices, sprinkle with cilantro leaves and crumbled cotija if using, and finish with a squeeze of lime.

  3. 8

    Serve

    Serve immediately while shrimp and tortillas are warm. Provide extra crema and lime wedges on the side.

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