These are not your average Shrimp Tacos. Imagine lightly charred corn tortillas cradling tender shrimp with a crisp salt and pepper crust, topped with crunchy cabbage and radish slaw, and finished with creamy, spicy shrimp taco sauce, a scatter of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
This is a shrimp taco recipe that I worked on for years and they are literally the best shrimp tacos I have ever tasted. (Check out the comments to see that I'm not alone!) They're weeknight easy too (watch the video for the easy step by step). You can make them start to finish in just 30 minutes.
Jump to:
- Ingredients You Need to Make Shrimp Tacos
- How to Buy Shrimp
- How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
- Quick, Easy and Essential: Shrimp Taco Sauce
- How to Peel and Devein Raw Shrimp
- Recipe Tips
- Mistakes to Avoid
- What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos
- More Mexican Food Recipes You'll Love
- How to Make Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp Tacos Recipe Video
- Shrimp Tacos
- 💬 Comments
Ingredients You Need to Make Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp Tacos
- Corn Tortillas: or flour tortillas
- Shrimp: ideally medium shrimp (see instructions in post on how to choose shrimp and how to peel and devein them)
- Cornstarch
- Avocado Oil: or other high heat oil
- Garlic: fresh garlic cloves
- Cabbage: shredded for topping, optional
- Radishes: for topping, optional
- Fresh Cilantro: optional
- Lime Wedges: for serving, optional
- Jalapeño Peppers: pickled slices or thinly sliced fresh jalapeño peppers for serving, optional
- Ground Black Pepper and Kosher Salt
Shrimp Taco Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand or homemade mayonnaise.
- Sour Cream: Choose full-fat sour cream for the creamiest sauce.
- Sriracha Sauce: or your preferred hot sauce
- Water: as needed to thin the sauce
How to Buy Shrimp
For the freshest shrimp, buy frozen and thaw them at home. Because shrimp are typically frozen shortly after being caught, even 'fresh' shrimp are likely thawed by grocery store fish counters. If you do buy thawed shrimp, be sure they are not soft or slimy and don't smell like ammonia, a sure sign that they're going bad.
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
For the best results, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in a covered bowl in the refrigerator. For faster thawing, place shrimp in a sealed zip-top bag and submerge in a bowl of cold water in the sink. Let stand 30 minutes, or until the shrimp are thawed. (This method works for other frozen meats as well.)
Quick, Easy and Essential: Shrimp Taco Sauce
The crisp shrimp are essential to these tacos, but so is the sauce. Shrimp Taco Sauce sounds so official, but it's actually really simple and made with things that I bet you have in your refrigerator right now. It's just three ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream and sriracha sauce, but it brings the textures together in these shrimp tacos and makes all of the other flavors shine!
How to Peel and Devein Raw Shrimp
For shrimp tacos, you'll want to completely peel and devein the shrimp (step by step photos below). No one wants to bite into a shrimp tail!
To Peel Raw Shrimp: first gently twist off the head (if still attached) then wedge your thumb inside the shell, just above the legs. Grasp the shell between your thumb and forefinger; lift and turn to detach the shell down to the tail segment. For shrimp with the tail intact, hold the peeled shrimp near the tail and gently pull to release the shrimp completely. (Skip this step for recipes where you want to leave the tail intact.)
To Devein: use a sharp paring knife to cut a shallow slit down the center of the back. With the tip of the knife, gently lift the vein out and discard (wipe onto a paper towel).
Recipe Tips
- Emphasize Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, cilantro, lime, and other produce whenever possible. Fresh ingredients guarantee a more vibrant and flavorful dish! If you live in an area where fresh shrimp is readily available and it smells sweet and fresh, lucky you! But remember that frozen shrimp can be equally good option when handled properly.
- Customize Your Heat Level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce in the Shrimp Taco Sauce, or if you want it spicier, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce.
- Char the Tortillas for Extra Flavor: For a smoky flavor, try charring the tortillas on an open gas flame for a few seconds on each side. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Consider Alternative Toppings: Don't feel confined to the listed toppings. Consider adding sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or a sprinkle of chili powder for different textures and flavors.
- Make the Shrimp Taco Sauce Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. It's one less thing to do the day you make the tacos.
- Serving for a Crowd: If serving these shrimp tacos at a party or gathering, consider setting up a taco bar with all the ingredients and sauces so guests can assemble their own according to their preferences.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Watch them closely and remove from the skillet as soon as they've developed a crust and are cooked through.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can cause them to steam rather than crisp. If needed, fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Using Low-Heat Oil: Olive oil and other low-smoke-point oils can burn at the temperatures required to crisp the shrimp. Use a high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil instead.
- Uneven Thawing of Shrimp: Thaw shrimp completely and evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Follow the instructions for thawing provided in the post.
- Skipping the Cornstarch Coating: Cornstarch helps to create a crispy texture on the shrimp that really makes these tacos. Don't skip this step.
- Over-Saucing: While the shrimp taco sauce is delicious, using too much can make the taco soggy and overpower the other flavors. Apply the sauce sparingly and serve more on the side to add if needed.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos
Though these are a meal on their own, they would be great alongside:
- Homemade Refried Beans
- Tortilla chips with Pico de Gallo or Mango Avocado Salsa and Salsa Guacamole for dipping.
- And, for a 30 minute, summertime version of these check out Grilled Shrimp Tacos.
More Mexican Food Recipes You'll Love
- Carne Asada (Check out the comments - everyone loves this!)
- Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa (These are absolutely bursting with flavor!)
- Pork Carnitas (Made in the slow cooker - easy, super juicy and flavorful.)
- Pulled Pork Quesadillas (Crispy, oven baked and totally irresistible!)
- Pulled Pork Nachos (With my top tips for perfect nachos every time.)
- Rice Cooker Mexican Rice (SO easy to make this classic side dish in your rice cooker.)
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice (You'd never know that this is a lightened up version!)
How to Make Shrimp Tacos
Finely chop cabbage and radishes (and fresh cilantro if desired). Set aside.
Make Shrimp Taco Sauce with equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream and sriracha sauce to taste. Dribble in water to thin if desired.
Lightly char both sides of each corn tortilla in a hot cast iron skillet and transfer to a packet of aluminum foil to keep warm.
Toss shrimp with cornstarch.
Fry shrimp in hot oil (nearly smoking) in a large wok or skillet until pink. Add salt, pepper and fresh garlic to shrimp; toss until coated and fragrant (a riff on these Salt and Pepper Shrimp). Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Assemble tacos one at a time, topping each tortilla with shrimp, cabbage, radishes and cilantro (optional). Drizzle with shrimp taco sauce and add a squeeze of lime (optional). Enjoy!
Shrimp Tacos Recipe Video
Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
Shrimp Taco Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce or more
- water as needed to thin sauce
Shrimp Tacos
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup avocado oil or other high heat oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- ½ cup finely chopped radishes
- ½ cup finely chopped cilantro optional
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- jalapeño peppers thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
Shrimp Taco Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. Add water, a few drops at a time, to reach your desired consistency. Set aside.
Shrimp Tacos
- Place a large piece of aluminum foil near cooktop. Heat a dry, heavy skillet (ideally cast iron) over medium high heat until hot. Add one corn tortilla; cook 30 seconds on each side until softened and lightly charred. Transfer to aluminum foil and fold around tortilla to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- In a medium bowl, coat peeled and deveined shrimp in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet until nearly smoking. Shake any excess cornstarch from shrimp and carefully add a few at a time to wok, giving each shrimp some room to crisp up. Cook, turning often with a spatula until shrimp are pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt, pepper and fresh garlic; toss with spatula just until spices are dispersed and garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and transfer shrimp to a plate or platter.
- Assemble tacos: top one warm corn tortilla with 3 or 4 shrimp and sprinkle with chopped cabbage, radishes and cilantro (if desired). Drizzle with desired amount of shrimp taco sauce. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve with lime wedges and sliced jalapeño if desired.
These are simply amazing! We altered the sauce recipe by adding a few drops of scorpion pepper sauce because we love HOT foods. I would give more stars!!! So good!!!
Thanks so much, Teri! I'm so glad that you're enjoying this recipe and making it your own.
I love how simple this recipe is. It was a huge hit in our household. I make it all the time now. We had some family and friends over helping with a project and I whipped this up for them, nothing was left and I was sending the recipe link to everyone afterwards 🙂 Thanks for sharing this gem!
You made my day, Danielle! I'm so happy that you and your family and friends are enjoying these!
This looks wonderful. Your pictures are art, some of the most beautiful food photos I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing all these great recipes with us!
aww...that's so kind of you, Leslie! It's my pleasure!!
Made these tonight and Wow! Awesome. I did add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the cabbage. Will be a keeper!
I love to hear this, Zana! Thanks so much for letting me know.
Can you use flour instead? I'm out of cornstarch and pressed for time, so no time to go to the store.
Hi Cara! Yes, you can use flour - the crust won't be quite as crispy, but will still be delicious.
These look amazing and I plan to make them this week! Do you think greek yogurt could br subbed for sour cream? Thanks
Hi Donna! Yes, absolutely.
Mmmmmmm these look fabulous! I've had tacos with white fish and salmon, but not shrimp. Why the heck not?!! Can't wait to make these, thanks!
Thank you, Mimi! I'm so excited for you to try these!
I just tried these for dinner tonight. My husband and I both LOVED them!! Thanks so much for this fantastic recipe!! 😋😋😋
That's wonderful, Janet!! Thank you so much for coming back to let me know!
This was fantastic!! Since I’m the only one that likes radishes in my house I switched them out for scallions and it was delicious. I had the leftover greens as a salad for lunch the next day. Love the crunch!
Can you make these ahead of time, say an hour before serving?
I need to bring a Mexican appetizer to a pool party and these look delicious!
Hi Janet! Honestly, I wouldn't make them that far in advance. They're best served pretty quickly after assembling. How about something like this Mexican Street Corn Salad with Spicy Grilled Shrimp? I've served it at several parties and it's always a hit. Hope that helps!
Can the shrimp be cooked ahead of time and then assemble tacos at dinner time. I'm doing a taco bar and wanted to make as much ahead of time that I can.
Thank in advance for your help.
Hi there, Karen! I like to cook the shrimp as close as possible to when I'll be serving the tacos. The shrimp will still be tasty if cooked a bit ahead, but the crust won't be quite as hot and crispy.
Made this for Cinco de Mayo and it was a huge hit! My friend who lived in Mexico said it was the best shrimp taco he’s ever had and very authentic. Others asked where I ordered in from. Will definitely make this again.
That makes me so happy!! Thank you for coming back to let me know!!
I was looking for.a shrimp taco recipe when I came across this. It was a Hit. Everyone loved it, ages 2 through 69.
Thank you!,
That's fantastic, Debbie! So glad the tacos were a hit!
Made these tacos tonight and everybody loved them !! Such a hit and pretty simple to follow the recipe! Thank you , will definitely be making these again ..... and again !
I love to hear that, Debbie! Thank you!!
These look perfect Marissa!!! I love that slaw!!
Thanks so much, Joanne! The slaw definitely adds a delicious crunch to these!
Hi! I'm excited to try these, but I don't have any cornstarch... only tapioca flour and regular flour. Which do you recommend?? I'm scared to use the tapioca flour for fear of ruining it! I've had bad experiences with alternative thickeners...
Hi Abigail! I'd go with a light coating of the tapioca flour. Hope you love these!
I had been looking forward to this recipe all day the moment my wife said yes to shrimp tacos ... everything was superb!!I couldnt believe how amazing everything came out ... she is super picky and even she was impressed especially with the sriracha sauce that she asked me to continue to make it for other tacos ...and the slaw she hates slaw and she even thought it was amazing I did it with lettuce wraps because I am keto and I am enjoying more for lunch tomorrow :)I also added avacado because what is tacos without some sort of guac or avacado:) and I paired it with a cilantro lime rice yummy ..btw if you could tell me was the nutritional facts for a total of 1 taco or 2 and is that including the corn tortillas or just the ingredients itself ?
Your whole meal sounds wonderful, Nicole! I'm so glad that you and your wife enjoyed the tacos so much!! The nutrition info is per person and is for 2 tacos including the corn tortilla.
Hello,
Just found this yummy sounding easy recipe. I was wondering if one could use cooked shrimp and eliminate the cornstarch.?
Hi Nancy! You absolutely can! The shrimp won’t have that crisp salt and pepper crust, but they’ll still be delicious. I do recommend reheating your cooked shrimp in a skillet before assembling the tacos. Enjoy!
I made these last night....they were amazing! My very picky Mexican husband raved about them. I used a bit more sour cream than mayonnaise and I used Franks Hot Sauce instead of Sriracha sauce. We will definitely eat again. I may even make them for his family.
You made my day, Andrea! So glad that you and your family enjoyed them. Thank you so much for coming back to let me know.
is there anything i could sub for the cornstarch?
Hi Andi! I think that arrowroot powder would work well, but haven't tried it myself. If you do, let me know how it goes. 🙂
Loved these, definitely restaurant quality. Was wondering if you could substitute tilapia for shrimp?
So glad you enjoyed them, Marcia! I haven't made these with fish, but I think it would be delicious with a firm white fish like cod or halibut. My only concern with tilapia is that it tends to be pretty soft and I'm not sure about that texture in the tacos. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes! 🙂
We usually do a traditional “taco Tuesday “ with ground beef... but these were a hit... the new shrimp taco Tuesday has taken over ! The sauce is simple and goes perfectly 😊
That's wonderful, Pam!! Thank you for letting me know!
I made this the other week for a friend and me, and he could not stop raving about these tacos! He said if I ever make them again he better be invited. Thank you for making such an awesome recipe. They look fancy but are easy and affordable to make for a college student!
aww, I love this, Natalie!! I'm so glad that you and your friend enjoyed them!