What kind of shrimp is best for tacos?

Large shrimp (21 to 30 per pound), cut in half if you like smaller bites.

Can I use flour tortillas?

Yes, though corn tortillas are more traditional for seafood tacos.

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema

Chili-lime shrimp seared in minutes and tucked into warm corn tortillas with crunchy cabbage, avocado, pickled onion and a cool lime crema. Serves 4.

Naturally gluten-free Vegetarian with swaps High-proteinNo added sugar

Contains: milk, egg, shellfish. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

Prep 20 min
Cook 5 min
Total 25 min
Yield 4 servings (12 tacos)
Heat 🌶 Mild
Level Easy

Updated November 4, 2026

Three shrimp tacos with cabbage, avocado, pickled onion, lime crema and cilantro

These shrimp tacos come together in about 25 minutes. Shrimp are tossed with chili powder, cumin, garlic and lime and seared in a very hot pan for just a couple of minutes.

A cool, tangy lime crema and crunchy shredded cabbage balance the spice. Set everything out and let everyone build their own.

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 lime, juiced

Lime crema

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 lime, zested and juiced
Pinch of salt

For serving

12 small corn tortillas, warmed
2 cups finely shredded green or red cabbage
1 avocado, sliced
Quick-pickled or thinly sliced red onion
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Where to buy shrimpThis recipe calls for shrimp at 21 to 30 per pound. Lobster Anywhere ships super colossal shrimp, 8 to 12 per pound, which are bigger: cut each into 2 or 3 pieces so they cook in the same time.

Shop shrimp

More picks: where to buy seafood. We may make money from the links on this page, but it doesn't affect what you pay.

To make it vegetarian

For the shrimp, use king oyster mushrooms cut into thick coins, or a plant-based shrimp.

Meat substitutes change the flavor, texture and cooking time: cook plant-based meats to the package directions, and tofu and mushrooms only need to brown and heat through. The nutrition on this page is for the original recipe. See all our vegetarian recipes.

What you’ll need

large skillet
small bowl

Instructions

Make the crema. Stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice and salt.
Season the shrimp. Toss the shrimp with the oil, spices and salt.
Sear. Heat a large skillet over high heat and cook the shrimp in one layer for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Squeeze the lime over them.
Assemble. Fill the warm tortillas with cabbage, shrimp, avocado and onion, drizzle with crema and top with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

560Calories

46 gCarbohydrates

10 gFiber

36 gNet carbs

41 gProtein

26 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

High-protein Gluten-free Vegetarian with swapsNo added sugar

Tips

Double up the corn tortillas for street-style tacos that hold together better.
Grill the shrimp on skewers instead for a smoky flavor.

Having trouble? See rubbery shrimp and sticking fish in our kitchen troubleshooting guide.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Storage and leftovers

Refrigerate the shrimp, crema and cabbage separately up to 2 days. Warm the shrimp briefly in a skillet and assemble fresh.

Questions about this recipe

What kind of shrimp is best for tacos?: Large shrimp (21 to 30 per pound), cut in half if you like smaller bites.
Can I use flour tortillas?: Yes, though corn tortillas are more traditional for seafood tacos.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: a cold Mexican lager, or a Malbec or Zinfandel. Wine pairing guide

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