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Easy Shrimp Tacos – Fresh, Zesty & Ready in 20 Minutes

Looking for a quick, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful meal? These Easy Shrimp Tacos are everything you need — juicy wild-caught shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of zesty lime yogurt sauce, all tucked inside warm tortillas. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner solution, ready in just 20 minutes, and loaded with clean ingredients, no pork, no alcohol, and full of bold, fresh flavors. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a busy night, these shrimp tacos will become a household favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

🦐 Seafood
  • 1 lb wild-caught shrimp peeled and deveined
🥑 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced or cubed
  • 1 bunch fresh coriander cilantro, chopped
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (for serving)
🍯 Condiments
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
🧂 Spices
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper
🫒 Oils & Vinegars
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
🌮 Breads & Wraps
  • 8 small 6-inch tortillas corn or flour
🧈 Dairy
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt plain

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Serving platter or taco holder

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Lime Yogurt Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
  1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest until evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add butter and let it melt, then add shrimp in a single layer.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cabbage Slaw
  1. In a bowl, toss shredded cabbage with 2 tablespoons lime juice and a handful of chopped coriander.
  2. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
  1. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds on each side or microwave covered with a damp towel for 10–15 seconds.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
  1. Lay a warm tortilla flat.
  2. Add a scoop of cabbage slaw, 3–4 shrimp, slices of avocado, and a drizzle of the lime yogurt sauce.
  3. Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store cooked shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet for 1–2 minutes or microwave briefly.
Tortillas:
Reheat just before assembling to keep them soft and pliable.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
No-Dairy Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce and skip butter for olive oil only.
Grilled Shrimp: Skewer and grill shrimp for a smoky flavor.
Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple salsa on top.
Crunchy Add-On: Top with crispy tortilla strips or roasted peanuts.
Protein Boost: Add black beans or quinoa into the slaw mix.
Cucumber Slaw: Mix in thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
Herb Swap: Use fresh mint or basil for a flavor twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Are these tacos spicy?
Mildly spiced — adjust paprika and add chili flakes for more heat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Both corn and flour work well — go for what you prefer.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt?
Yes, sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt works too.
How do I know shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when done — about 2–3 minutes per side.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely — shredded carrots, radishes, or sliced cucumber work great.
What goes well on the side?
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a simple fruit salad.
Can I prepare this for meal prep?
Yes! Store components separately and assemble fresh.
How can I keep tortillas warm for serving?
Wrap them in foil and keep in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
🏁 Conclusion
These Easy Shrimp Tacos are everything you want in a quick, flavorful, and fresh meal. With juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime yogurt drizzle, every bite is a burst of texture and taste.
It’s pork-free, alcohol-free, and effortlessly customizable — the perfect choice for a family-friendly dinner, a casual gathering, or your weekly taco night tradition.