Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema
Chili-lime shrimp seared in 4 minutes and tucked into warm corn tortillas with crunchy cabbage and a cool lime crema. Dinner in 20 minutes.
75% of it needs you at the counter
- Hands-on
- 15 min
- Cooking
- 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 27 g
- Per serving
- $3.30
Why this recipe works
These are the fastest tacos in our rotation. Start the crema and slaw first, warm the tortillas, and the shrimp go in the pan last so they come to the table hot.
- Shrimp take about 2 minutes per side, so a hot pan gives them color before they turn rubbery.
- A dry spice rub sticks better than a wet marinade and does not need time to work.
- Cool lime crema and crunchy cabbage balance the heat and the soft tortilla.
Ingredients
For the lime crema
To serve
You will need
- 12-inch skillet
Method
Tap a step number to mark it done.
Make the crema
Stir the sour cream with the lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth. Toss the cabbage with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt.
Season the shrimp
Mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and salt, then toss with the shrimp until evenly coated.
Sear
Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in one layer and cook until pink and curled, about 2 minutes per side.
Assemble
Fill the warm tortillas with cabbage, shrimp and avocado, drizzle with lime crema and top with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Techniques in this recipe
Crowded: steams and turns grey Spaced out: browns and crisps Don't crowd the pan
Give food space in the pan or on the sheet pan so moisture can escape. Crowded food steams and turns grey; spaced-out food browns and crisps.
Read the full guideRaw Done: loose C Over: tight O When is shrimp done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C. A tight O means overcooked and rubbery.
Read the full guide
Cook's notes
- Do not crowd the pan. If your skillet is small, sear the shrimp in two batches so they brown instead of steaming.
- Double up the tortillas if they are thin; it stops juicy fillings breaking through.
- For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the rub or a few slices of jalapeño on top.
Nutrition per serving
350 calories
$3.30 estimated cost per serving
Where the calories come from
| Protein | 30% of calories | 27 g |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 33% of calories | 30 g |
| Fat | 37% of calories | 15 g |
| Fiber | 7 g | |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for the listed ingredients and amounts; not lab-tested. Cost estimated from average US retail prices.
Questions people ask
Can I grill the shrimp?
Yes. Thread them onto skewers and grill over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Are these shrimp tacos gluten-free?
Yes, when made with 100% corn tortillas. Check the label, as some brands blend in wheat flour.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt works the same way and adds a little more protein.
