Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

Save this recipe on:

Shrimp tacos just got a major upgrade with this fresh, flavor-packed recipe. These Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema are the perfect balance of smoky heat, creamy tang, and zesty freshness—ready in under 30 minutes. They’re a go-to for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even taco Tuesday celebrations.

What sets this dish apart is the vibrant combination of spiced shrimp nestled in crisp cabbage, topped with a dreamy avocado crema that’s silky smooth and refreshingly cool. Add a few squeezes of lime and you have a handheld masterpiece that tastes like it came straight from a coastal taqueria.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Corn tortillas bring the best texture and flavor to shrimp tacos, offering that slight chew and toasty taste that complements the spice. Warm them briefly in a hot skillet or wrap them in foil and bake for a few minutes to soften them up. Flour tortillas work too if you prefer a milder, softer base.

Ingredients for the Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

• Shrimp: The star of the show! Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp. They cook quickly and soak up the spices beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika & Chili Powder: These seasonings give the shrimp a warm, smoky depth.
• Cabbage (green & purple): Crunchy and refreshing, cabbage adds the ideal contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Avocado: Creamy, nutrient-rich, and the base for the luscious crema.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Brings the tang and smoothness to the avocado crema.
• Garlic & Lime Juice: Essential for punchy flavor.
• Cilantro: Adds that signature herby brightness.
• Corn Tortillas: The vessel that holds all the goodness together.
• Olive Oil: Helps get that perfect sear on the shrimp.

---

How To Make the Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp in a bowl with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly charred.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Crema

In a blender or food processor, combine a ripe avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prep the Slaw

Thinly slice green and purple cabbage. Toss with a little lime juice and a pinch of salt for brightness and crunch.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your corn tortillas on a skillet or in the oven until soft and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Layer slaw on the bottom, add a few sizzling shrimp, and drizzle generously with avocado crema. Top with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges.

---

Serving and Storing Easy Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are best served fresh, straight from the skillet to the table. If you’re making them ahead, keep the shrimp, slaw, and crema separate until ready to serve. Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and the avocado crema for about the same (press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to avoid browning).

What to Serve With Easy Shrimp Tacos?

Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright, citrusy rice balances the spiced shrimp perfectly.

Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Creamy, cheesy, and charred—a side that doubles as a showstopper.

Black Bean Salad

A cool, hearty side dish that adds texture and protein.

Tortilla Chips with Mango Salsa

Sweet and spicy flavors to kick off your meal.

Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas

A tropical drink with just enough kick to complement the tacos.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The caramelized edges pair beautifully with the smokiness of the shrimp.

Pickled Onions

Tangy and sharp, perfect for topping your tacos with extra zing.

---

Want More Taco Night Ideas?

If you love these Easy Shrimp Tacos, you’ll want to try these other fun and flavorful dishes:

• Taco Ranch Bites: A Flavor-Packed Mini Treat
• Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso
• Chicken Street Tacos
• The Ultimate Spicy Ranch Taco Dip
• Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Mayo & Pico de Gallo

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest taco board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice up the crema or go heavy on the lime? Did you add a unique topping?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other taco better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: