Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Shrimp cook in about 4 minutes, which makes these tacos one of the fastest dinners we make. A smoky chili-lime seasoning, a quick avocado crema blended with lime and cilantro, and plenty of crunchy cabbage give every bite a mix of heat, creaminess and crunch.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 25 mins
- Servings
- 8 tacos
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema at a glance
Toss 500 g peeled shrimp with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, lime and oil. Sear in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Blend avocado, sour cream, lime and cilantro into a crema. Fill warm tortillas with shredded red cabbage, corn, shrimp and crema and serve with lime wedges.
- Total time
- 25 mins
- Calories
- 420 per serving
- Protein
- 30 g
- Yield
- 8 tacos
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Pan-searing
Ingredients
Shrimp
Avocado crema
Tacos
Equipment
Large skillet · Blender or food processor · Medium bowl
Quick Directions
- 1
Make the crema
Blend the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and salt until smooth, adding water a spoonful at a time until it is pourable.
- 2
Season the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry.
- 3
Sear the shrimp
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 4
Warm the tortillas
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- 5
Assemble
Fill each tortilla with cabbage, corn and a few shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect shrimp tacos with avocado crema.
- 1
Make the crema
Blend the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and salt until smooth, adding water a spoonful at a time until it is pourable. Set aside.
- 2
Season the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and lime zest.
- 3
Sear the shrimp
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque and just curled into a C shape. Squeeze over the lime juice and take off the heat.
- 4
Warm the tortillas
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- 5
Assemble
Fill each tortilla with cabbage, corn and a few shrimp. Drizzle with avocado crema and top with cilantro and red onion. Serve with lime wedges.
Recipe Tips
- Shrimp go from tender to rubbery quickly. Take them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque; a tight O shape means overcooked.
- Thaw frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat very dry so they sear instead of steam.
- Use corn tortillas to make the tacos gluten-free.
Variations
- Fish tacos: use 500 g firm white fish such as cod, cooked to 70°C (158°F) and flaked.
- Add a mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, jalapeño and lime.
- Grill the shrimp on skewers over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.5 g |
| Fibre | 7 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Store the shrimp, crema and toppings separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Press plastic wrap onto the crema to slow browning.
- Reheat
- Warm the shrimp briefly in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or enjoy cold in a salad.
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema FAQs
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque all the way through and curl into a loose C shape. Large shrimp take 1-2 minutes per side in a hot skillet.
Can I use frozen shrimp for tacos?
Yes. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Pat them very dry before seasoning so they sear well.
What goes on shrimp tacos?
Crunchy cabbage or slaw, something creamy like avocado crema or chipotle mayo, fresh cilantro, onion and plenty of lime. Corn, mango or pickled onions are good extras.
Are shrimp tacos healthy?
Shrimp are lean and high in protein, and these tacos are full of vegetables. Two tacos with crema have about 420 calories and 30 g of protein.
