Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

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These Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema are the kind of dinner that makes a weeknight feel like a mini vacation. Packed with bold flavor, they come together quickly, delivering that irresistible combo of smoky spice and creamy citrus with every bite. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a random craving, these tacos make it feel like summer in your kitchen.

The shrimp are seared with a simple seasoning blend that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. But the real game-changer? That avocado crema. Creamy, cool, and kissed with lime juice, it takes these tacos to the next level. Spoon it generously over the shrimp and crunchy slaw, and prepare for serious taco satisfaction.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe, just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp (around 21/25 count per pound) work best—they cook quickly and stay juicy. Tail-off shrimp are easiest for eating in tacos, but if you like that dramatic presentation, leave the tails on for serving.

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Ingredients for the Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

Shrimp – The star of the show! Choose medium-large shrimp for the best bite and flavor.

Corn Tortillas – They give the perfect char and texture. Warm them up for flexibility and flavor.

Red Cabbage – Adds vibrant color and crunch. It also holds up well under the crema.

Shredded Lettuce – A fresh and crisp base that doesn’t overpower the shrimp.

Avocado – Essential for the crema. Ripe avocados blend into the silkiest sauce.

Lime Juice – Brightens both the shrimp and the avocado crema. A citrusy must.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Gives the avocado crema that tangy creaminess.

Garlic – Adds depth and bite to the crema.

Cilantro – A finishing touch that adds freshness and flavor.

Taco Seasoning – Smoky, spicy, and quick. You can use homemade or store-bought.

Olive Oil – For searing the shrimp to golden perfection.

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How To Make the Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and toss them in taco seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly charred. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Crema

In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

Thinly slice the red cabbage and shred the lettuce. Keep them chilled until ready to assemble.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Briefly heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until they’re warm and pliable with a slight char.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Layer shredded lettuce and red cabbage into each tortilla, top with a few shrimp, then spoon over the avocado crema. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime.

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How to Serve and Store These Shrimp Tacos

Serve these shrimp tacos hot, right after assembling. They’re perfect for a casual dinner, laid-back entertaining, or a fun taco bar setup where everyone builds their own. Pair them with rice, chips and salsa, or a tangy cucumber salad to round out the meal.

For storing, keep the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The avocado crema will last 2–3 days if tightly sealed and refrigerated, though it may darken slightly. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet for best texture, and always assemble tacos fresh to maintain the crispness of the slaw and tortillas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

That depends on your taco seasoning! Use a mild version for less heat, or kick things up with a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder if you like them bold.

Can I use flour tortillas instead?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas are softer and larger, which means you can pack in more fillings. Just warm them up the same way before assembling.

What’s a good substitute for sour cream in the crema?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative—it keeps things creamy and adds a tangy balance to the avocado.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing?

Yes! Grilled shrimp bring extra smokiness. Just thread them onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Is there a dairy-free version of the crema?

You can swap the sour cream or yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

How do I keep tortillas from breaking?

Always warm them up! A warm tortilla is more pliable and less likely to crack. You can wrap a stack in foil and place them in a low oven or heat individually over a flame.

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Want More Taco & Savory Dinner Ideas?

If you love these shrimp tacos, you might want to explore these flavorful dishes next:

• Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage: A hearty Southern twist with serious comfort food vibes.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli: A cheesy, savory bowl that’s dinner-party worthy.
• Tex-Mex White Trash Casserole: Spicy, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot: For an easy slow-cooked dinner.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup: A comforting and bold-flavored soup perfect for cozy nights.

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Add mango salsa? Try it with grilled tortillas?

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

✨ Find more daily recipes and kitchen inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

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