Juicy, easy shrimp tacos loaded with just the right amount of spice thanks to chipotle and chili powder. Top with fresh salsa, avocado slices, and crunchy cabbage for the absolute best shrimp tacos!

Three Shrimp Tacos surrounded by limes and pico

Why this recipe works

A juicy bite of plump seasoned shrimp wrapped in a warm tortilla with crisp cabbage, fresh salsa, and a slice or two of creamy avocado makes this shrimp tacos recipe as good as it is. The beauty of shrimp tacos is that you can mix and match your flavor profile with a heap of different spices, seasonings, and toppings and still end up with insanely good tacos.

I love stuffing them with salsa fresca but they’re also delicious with pineapple salsa for a nice balance of sweet and spicy. These shrimp tacos cook up quickly, in a matter of minutes actually. So have your toppings and tortillas prepped before starting!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

SHRIMP – The key to perfectly juicy, plump shrimp is to not overcook them. Shrimp will continue to cook even when you take them off the heat source, which makes them prone to overcooking. Medium or small shrimp work best for tacos. Fresh or frozen will be just fine! Thaw frozen shrimp before beginning.

SEASONINGS – Chili powder and chipotle powder add a nice kick of heat, but you can simply omit the spicy elements if preferred.

TOPPINGS – Salsa fresca (pico de Gallo), creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime are excellent on top of shrimp tacos. We love adding a bit of crunch to the mix with red/purple cabbage as well.

How to Make Shrimp Tacos

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Prepare your toppings and warm the tortillas so they are ready as soon as the shrimp is cooked.
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the salt, chili powder, chipotle, cumin, and pepper until evenly coated.
Add the oil to a medium skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Shrimp should be pink and opaque when cooked through. Remove from heat.
Add shrimp to tortillas along with desired toppings and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do you know when shrimp is done cooking?

Shrimp does not take long to cook, which also means it can easily be overcooked. The shrimp will curl and turn opaque with pinkish orange hues when it is finished cooking. Overcooked shrimp tend to turn a whiteish grey and are rubbery in texture.

How do you store leftover shrimp tacos?

It’s best to store the shrimp in a separate container from your toppings as they will need to be reheated. Store in an air-tight container kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a small amount of olive oil until heated through – this should only take about 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your shrimp tacos topped with salsa, avocado, cabbage, sliced jalapenos, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.

Choose between salsa fresca, pineapple salsa, or mango salsa for your tacos – all of which bring their own flavor element to the table.

More Shrimp Recipes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

This post originally appeared here on May 21, 2019 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips. Original recipe contributed by Rebekah from KitchenGidget.