Name: Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. peeled and deveined medium to large raw shrimp, tails removed (~21-30 per pound); 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning (mild or spicy, such as Siete brand); 1/3 cup sour cream or plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup jarred salsa verde (or tomatillo salsa); 2 ears sweet corn, grilled or seared (or 1 cup frozen and thawed fire-roasted corn); 2 1/2 cups shredded or thinly sliced cabbage (or pre-shredded coleslaw mix); 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro; 1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco (or cotija cheese); Kosher salt to taste; 2 limes; Optional for garnish: hot sauce, pickled red onion, jalapeño (fresh or pickled), avocado; 8 tortillas, warmed

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 86 reviews

If you’re craving something vibrant, flavorful, and ready in a flash, this Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp bursting with zesty taco seasoning, paired with a creamy salsa verde sauce, crisp cabbage, and roadside-style grilled corn, all wrapped snugly in warm tortillas—this dish packs a punch with every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at an impromptu gathering, these shrimp tacos are an absolute crowd-pleaser with a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white bowls with blue and green floral patterns on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a thick greenish-yellow sauce with small bits of vegetables or spices, topped with two dollops of smooth white cream placed side by side, creating a raised texture in the center. The right bowl holds a creamy white sauce mixed with green and brown herbs, with a metal whisk resting inside, blending the ingredients. The bowls have a shiny glaze that reflects light softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are both straightforward and crucial for building amazing taste and texture in every taco. Each plays a special role, from the fresh shrimp to the crisp cabbage providing crunch, and the creamy salsa verde tying everything together beautifully.

1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp: Medium to large shrimp work best for a juicy, meaty bite.
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning: Choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference; it’s the key to that classic taco flavor.
1/3 cup sour cream: Provides creamy richness; can be swapped with full-fat Greek yogurt for tang.
1/2 cup salsa verde: Adds brightness and a tangy kick from tomatillos.
2 ears sweet corn: Grilled or seared corn introduces a smoky sweetness and texture contrast.
2 1/2 cups shredded cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness; pre-shredded coleslaw mix works perfectly too.
1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Brings herbaceous notes and a splash of green.
1/3 cup queso fresco: Crumbled cheese that adds subtle saltiness and creamy texture.
Kosher salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
2 limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the whole dish with acidity.
8 tortillas: Warmed to make wrapping easy and add softness; corn or flour tortillas both work well.
Optional garnishes: Hot sauce, pickled red onions, jalapeños, or avocado to personalize your tacos.

How to Make Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Prep the shrimp

Start by rinsing and patting your shrimp dry. Toss them gently in olive oil and taco seasoning until they’re evenly coated. This seasoning blend brings the perfect blend of smokiness and spice that every shrimp taco deserves. It’s best to let them sit for a few minutes to soak in those flavors before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook each side for just 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque—overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so keep a close eye. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside, allowing their juices to mingle into the pan’s residual seasoning.

Step 3: Prepare the corn and cabbage

If using fresh corn, grill or sear it until lightly charred, then cut off the kernels; this adds a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the shrimp. Toss the shredded cabbage with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice to keep it fresh and crunchy, ready to balance the tacos’ richness.

Step 4: Make the creamy salsa verde sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa verde until smooth. This sauce is a game-changer—it gives the tacos a cool, tangy, and slightly spicy creaminess that cuts through the warmth of the shrimp perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble your shrimp tacos

Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. Spread a generous spoonful of the salsa verde cream on each, layer on a handful of cabbage, a scoop of grilled corn, then top with the juicy shrimp. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco over the top, adding any extras like hot sauce or avocado as desired.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

A wooden bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a fresh salad in two views. The base layer is light green shredded cabbage that fills most of the bowl, topped on one side by bright green cilantro leaves. There are golden yellow grilled corn pieces with slightly blackened grill marks scattered over the cilantro and cabbage. On another side, there is a layer of crumbly white cheese. In the second view, a creamy white sauce with black specks covers much of the cheese, corn, and cilantro while still allowing some ingredients to show through. The textures range from crisp cabbage, soft cheese, chunky corn, and smooth sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes are what make this Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe truly come alive on the plate. Pickled red onions bring a lovely tartness, jalapeños add crunch and heat, while creamy avocado slices mellow out the spice with their buttery texture. Don’t be shy with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

Round out your taco meal with bright, complementary sides. Mexican street corn salad, a simple black bean and corn salad, or even a light cucumber and tomato salad seasoned with lime and chili powder pair beautifully. These sides echo the freshness of the tacos without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your shrimp tacos in mini cast iron skillets or stack them on colorful ceramic plates with fresh lime wedges on the side. Wrap individual tacos in parchment for casual meals or serve family-style with bowls of toppings to let everyone customize. The festive colors alone make this dish a visual feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover shrimp or fillings, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep your tortillas wrapped in foil or plastic to maintain softness. Mixing sauces with the shrimp in advance can make the dish soggy, so keep components separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

While shrimp tacos taste best fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp right after cooking. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve quality. Avoid freezing assembled tacos since tortillas and fresh veggies don’t freeze well.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to prevent drying out. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave to keep them soft. Add fresh toppings after reheating to keep everything vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture that can steam the shrimp instead of searing them.

What kind of tortillas work best for shrimp tacos?

You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas bring an authentic, slightly earthy flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Warm them well before assembling to avoid cracking.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and salsa verde you choose. You can opt for mild seasoning or add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to taste if you want a fiery bite or keep it mild for more delicate palates.

Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?

While shrimp is the star here, you could swap it with grilled or sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas seasoned similarly for a vegetarian twist that still brings great texture and flavor.

How do I make the recipe gluten-free?

Simply choose corn tortillas labeled gluten-free and double-check your taco seasoning doesn’t contain gluten additives. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to customize.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both simple and special. It’s loaded with fresh flavors that dance on the tongue and comes together in a snap, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how bright, crunchy, and satisfying shrimp tacos can be. Give it a go and make your next meal an absolute fiesta!