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A delicious plate of Spicy Shrimp Tacos is shown as the featured image.

Best Spicy Shrimp Tacos Ever

These spicy shrimp tacos are elevated with a flavorful marinade, a creamy and spicy crema, and fresh toppings. The key is understanding the science of spice and balancing heat with other flavors to create an unforgettable taco experience. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a fun gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder blend of ancho and chipotle
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Lime juicer
  • Tortilla warmer or skillet

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Spicy Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas according to package instructions, either in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the cooked shrimp in the center of each tortilla. Top with sliced avocado, shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro, and a generous drizzle of the spicy crema.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.

Notes

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Experiment with different types of chili powder to find your favorite flavor profile. Ancho, chipotle, and guajillo are all excellent choices. Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. Over-marinating can make the shrimp mushy. Adjust the spiciness of the crema to your liking by adding more or less sriracha. Store leftover shrimp and crema separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.