Irresistibly Juicy Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema Recipe
These Irresistibly Juicy Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema combine perfectly seasoned seared shrimp with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce and fresh crunchy slaw. Ready in just 30 minutes, they offer a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic tacos, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound Shrimp
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
Avocado Crema
- 1 Avocado
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice (additional, for crema)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for crema)
- Pinch of Salt (for crema)
Toppings and Assembly
- 2 cups Cabbage or Slaw Mix
- 1/4 cup Cilantro
- 8 Corn or Flour Tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare the Avocado Crema: While the shrimp marinate, cut the ripe avocado in half and remove the pit. In a blender, add the avocado flesh, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Sear the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred, indicating they are cooked through.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp cook, warm the tortillas either by placing them in a hot skillet for 15-30 seconds on each side or wrapping them in foil and heating in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This softens the tortillas and enhances their flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay a warmed tortilla on a plate. Layer a handful of shredded cabbage for crunch, add a generous amount of cooked shrimp, then drizzle with the creamy avocado crema. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Repeat with remaining ingredients to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust chili powder amount to control the spice level.
- Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan-friendly avocado crema.
- Regular paprika can be swapped for smoked paprika if a milder flavor is preferred.
- Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them pliable and fresh.
Keywords: Shrimp tacos, spicy shrimp, avocado crema, quick tacos, Mexican seafood, easy dinner, healthy tacos, seared shrimp
