Shrimp Tacos with Best Shrimp Taco Sauce (VIDEO)
These Shrimp Tacos are loaded with plump juicy shrimp, crisp cabbage, avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro and an easy shrimp taco sauce that will win you over. They are served over toasted corn tortillas so they are naturally gluten-free.
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What makes these Shrimp Tacos is the mouthwatering Shrimp Taco Sauce! This is the same sauce we use on our famous Fish Tacos and it’s mesmerizing. These tacos are an easy 30-minute meal that comes together fast. Taco night will never be the same!
Ingredients for Shrimp Tacos:
- Shrimp – We used large 21-25 count shrimp, but the medium (26-30 count) or even small shrimp (31-35 count) would work well. Keep in mind smaller shrimp will cook faster.
- Red Cabbage – the color and flavor is perfect for tacos, but you can sub with green cabbage or even a coleslaw blend
- Cheese – Cotija is a Mexican cheese that is the traditional cheese for Mexican tacos. I found cotija at the grocery store next to the refrigerated tortillas.
- Toppings – avocado, red onion, and cilantro are our go-to toppings for tacos.
The Best Tortillas for Shrimp Tacos:
Corn tortillas are best for making shrimp tacos. Either yellow or white corn tortillas will do but we love the flavor and texture of white corn tortillas best. Also, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free which is always appreciated by those with food sensitivities.
Flour tortillas will work if that is what you have on hand, but corn tortillas are the traditional and more authentic choice for Mexican tacos.
Our Go-To Shrimp Taco Sauce:
We use an easy garlic-lime crema with just a touch of spice from the hot sauce. If you love spicy shrimp tacos, add more sriracha hot sauce to taste. If you like it mild, add less hot sauce.
Serve this with a spoon or transfer to a zip bag to drizzle, but serving it out of a squeeze bottle makes it feel like dining out.
How to Toast Tortillas for Tacos:
Over a Gas Stove Flame – We love this method for authentic lightly charred edges. Toast the tortilla directly over a medium/low open flame on a gas stove. Use tongs to rotate the tortilla about every 5 seconds. Flip as soon as the tortilla is lightly blackened on the edges and repeat with the second side. Keep your eye on that tortilla and adjust the flame as needed because they can burn quickly.
On a Griddle – This is our favorite way to make a bunch of tortillas at once. Preheat a dry griddle to medium/high heat. Add tortillas in a single layer and toast 15-30 seconds per side until golden brown in some spots on each side.
On a Skillet (preferably cast iron)- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tortillas in a single layer (a very large pan can accommodate up to 3 at a time) and toast 15-30 seconds on each side until golden and hot on each side.
Watch How to Make Shrimp Tacos:
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Love Tacos? Try these Taco Recipes Next:
- Fish Tacos – our #1 recipe for 3 years in a row
- Ground Beef Tacos – easy peasy and so juicy
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos – with tender shredded chicken
- Beef Bulgogi Tacos – Korean beef tacos
Shrimp Tacos with Best Shrimp Taco Sauce
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
Shrimp Taco Toppings:
- 8 white corn tortillas (small, 6” diameter)
- 1/2 small purple cabbage 2 cups shredded
- 1 large avocado pitted, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 4 oz Cotija cheese (1 cup grated on a box grater)
- 1/4 bunch cilantro coarsely chopped
- 1 lime cut into 8 wedges
Shrimp Taco Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice squeezed from 1 medium lime
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp Sriracha sauce or to taste
Instructions
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Thaw and pat dry shrimp with paper towels and place in a medium bowl. Add seasonings and garlic and stir to combine.
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Place a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté 1-2 minutes per side or just until cooked through. As soon as they are cooked through (white inside with some pink and red accents outside), transfer to a serving platter and set aside to cool.
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Toast 8 tortillas over an open gas stovetop flame on medium/low heat (about 10 seconds per side) until lightly charred on the edges (or on a medium-hot skillet or griddle) until golden brown in some spots (30 seconds per side).
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Thinly slice cabbage, dice the avocado, finely dice the red onion, and coarsley chop the cilantro. Add these to your serving platter along with lime wedges. Build tacos by arranging toppings and shrimp over each toasted tortilla.
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In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and serve with assembled shrimp tacos.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Natasha Kravchuk
Fish Tacos Recipe with Best Fish Taco Sauce! 
Easy Taco Soup Recipe 
Ground Beef Tacos 
Shrimp Tacos with Coconut Coleslaw & Mango Salsa 
Mexican Street Corn (Elote Recipe) 
Korean Beef Tacos (Bulgogi) Recipe 
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
The very BEST Shrimp taco recipe!!! I followed this recipe exactly and it is absolutely Delicious! I’ve made it three times already and have shared it with others… Don’t skip out on the Cotija cheese….makes a big difference on taste. Thank You!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Dear Natasha, Like most of your recipes this was a huge hit! I tweaked it by adding in a tad more of everything, because everyone loves spice! The family loved the sauce too! BTW: I was never a baker or a real cook, thanks to you, you make it look easy and fun, and most importantly I found watching your videos helps a great deal. I learned this 3rd time in. Thanks again!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m all smiles
I love this recipe. I also use a chipotle taco seasoning packet and sprinkle some on the shrimp (in lieu of the other seasonings). It gives it a great smoky flavor that compliments the sweetness of the shrimp.
So nice to know that, Nicole. I should try that next time too, thanks for sharing that with us!
Made you shrimp taco recipe tonight. I couldn’t find Cotija cheese in my local grocer, so I used crumbled goat cheese as a replacement. OMG! They where delicious. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Dan! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed that!
What is the lemon squeezer you use that has lasted the longest?
Hi Nellie! This Citrus Juicer HERE hands down! We have tried so many and this one is the best!
My husband was out of his ‘Comfort Zone’ with this recipe, But….he ended up really liking it! And, me too!!! I left out the salt in the shrimp mixture as most of the frozen shrimp you buy is salty, IMO. I also added some taco seasoning to the sauce which I thought added to the overall flavor. Thanks again Natasha for a really fun and tasty meal!
You are most welcome, Connie. It’s my pleasure to share this recipe with y’all! Thank you for trying it out, I am so glad you and your husband loved it!
How would I cook Salmon or tuna for this recipe?
Hi Keely, you can check my Fish tacos recipe. I hope you love it!
What kind of shrimp do you use??
Hi Beth, We used raw, large 21-25 count shrimp.
So easy and so good. I should have doubled the recipe because my family loved it and wanted more.
Love it! At least now you know that you should make more next time. Thanks for sharing your great feedback with us.
Line bottom with brown paper, then grease the paper.
Thanks for sharing!
Great shrimp taco recipe with great flavor! Make them just as is. Husband loved them and he’s a picky eater, meat and potatoes kind of guy. Will be adding them to the rotation.
So glad to hear that you both loved this recipe. Thank you so much!
Absolutely delicious!! We will be making these on a regular basis, the sauce was delicious!! Instructions were easy to follow as well!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing that with us.
This is pure perfection! I can’t think of any modification that would make it better. Thank you for this recipe! We may have this every week it is so good!
Super love it! Thanks for your wonderful review, we appreciate it!
Couldnt find the cheese so I used parmasan cheese
Best tacos I ever eaten cant wait to go to Pittsburgh to mexican store in strip district so I can try them again
Cant wait ti try the pizza sauce
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Didn’t want to make the drive to Whole Foods to find cotija, but the substitute was fine. Loved the seasoning on the shrimp, reduced the cayenne since my wife doesn’t like heat. Also just 1/8 tsp siracha for same reason. Sauce is a big keeper. Excellent tacos. Thanks.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Rich!
I love, love, love this recipe. Made it today and it was a hit.
Thank you for that lovely review, Christine! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Hi, what the heck is cotija cheese? Never heard of it. If I can’t find, is there an alternative?
Cotija is a Mexican cheese that is the traditional cheese for Mexican tacos. I found cotija at the grocery store next to the refrigerated tortillas. Others used feta cheese and they liked it too.
This was fabulous! My 29 year old son said it was the most flavorful dish I ever made. Still trying to figure out if that is a compliment to me. 🙂 My husband said they were the best shrimp tacos he ever ate.
Thanks!
Definitely a compliment to you. Great job!
What is the serving size? 1 or 2 tscos?
Hi Christine, the number of servings is always at the top of the recipe card and the nutrition label is per serving. In this case it is per taco.
Any suggestions on making the sauce without mayonnaise? My husband won’t eat mayonnaise and I would love to make these.
Hi Colleen, try our Jalapeno Ranch instead which has no mayonnaise. It would go really well with the shrimp tacos.
Oh my goodness. You can just tell these are going to be good before you even taste them. But I wasn’t quite prepared for the flavor explosion in my mouth and the music in my head when I took my first bite. These are better than any shrimp tacos I have tried in any restaurant. My husband even had 4 and he is usually a regular old taco kind of guy. (I talked him into doing this for dinner by making the sauce ahead of time and letting him try it!) I highly recommend not skipping the fresh lime in the sauce or on top of the tacos. We used coleslaw instead of cabbage and onions but that’s the only substitution I made. The pan-fried tortillas…genius. Thank you, Natasha. Your recipes never disappoint.
Wow what an awesome comment. Thank you so much for your excelleng feedback. It helps inspire us to do better and create more content!
My husband and I have foundour favorite shrimp tacos ever! I have told a lot of friends about you! We serve rice with lime zest on top pairs perfectly!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m all smiles
No matter what you are preparing, I take the time to watch just to be able to watch you! Your personality is amazing. Cutest person on the entire planet.
Aww! You’re so nice! Thank you for that wonderful compliment Suzi!
Made these tacos for dinner last night and my husband and I absolutely loved them. Loved the spices on the shrimp and the sauce was so delicious. These will definitely go in my rotational menu files. Thanks Natasha.
That’s just awesome Peggy! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Oh my goodness. Just made these for a late lunch and they were absolutely delicious. That sauce is incredible!!!! I had to sub the cotija for feta as I couldn’t find it here in the UK. Thank you so much Natasha!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Lucy!
So glad I found your website. Attempted several of your recipes with great success. This is our new go-to meal. All the flavors melded well.
Thank you Christi, so glad you found us too!
I have learned so much about cooking from your recipes. (2 so far! More to come) Simple, but extremely thought out and flavorful. The way cooking should be. These were spectacular. I added a teeny bit of lime zest along with the cilantro. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
My pleasure Carrie. Thank you so much for your good comments and feedback, we appreciate it!
Your recipes are incredible, this one included! My son and husband said these are gourmet tacos. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and delicious recipes!!!
You are so welcome. Thanks for an awesome review and I hope you love every recipe that you try!
I realized tonight that my family has the genetic mutation that makes cilantro taste like soap suds. What would be a replacement for cilantro?
Hi Alison, you are welcome to use dill or parsley as a replacement.
NAZDOROVLA
Just made it for lunch today, delicious!!! I didn’t have Cotija cheese, so I used feta instead, and it turned out great!!! Thanks Natasha
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Lana!
Can you recommend a different cheese for this recipe? I can’t find Cotija 🙁
Hi Joanne, cotija is hard to replace, but you could try a shredded Mexican 3-cheese blend. The tacos would still work without the cheese also.
Oh my goodness. You can just tell these are going to be good before you even taste them. But I wasn’t quite prepared for the absolute flavor explosion in my mouth and the music in my head when I took my first bite. These are better than ANY shrimp tacos I have ever tried in any restaurant. I’m still in disbelief that I made them! The shrimp seasonings are PERFECT! We used coleslaw instead of cabbage and onions but that’s the only substitution that I made. Even my husband, who is not as big of a seafood fan as I am, ate 4 of these and he had originally planned to make his own ground turkey tacos tonight. (I talked him into having these with me by making the sauce ahead of time and letting him try it). The pan-fried tortillas…genius. And don’t skip the fresh lime, it made all the difference in the sauce and on the tacos. Thank you, Natasha. Your recipes never disappoint.
Wow what an awesome feedback! Thank you so much, it’s very inspiring for us. We appreciate you sharing it here.
Thank you for the recipe. My hubby and I really loved the taco. It’s easy to make and delicious.
You’re welcome! Thanks for your great feedback.
This recipe is seriously amazing! I have loved and used a lot of your recipes many times over and over. I really like how you toast the tortillas and make the crema.
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Brenda! Thank you for the wonderful review!
These were spectacular! My son (15) used the leftover sauce, mixed in the leftover cilantro, cheese, and onion. He used it as a dip for tortilla chips!
Thank you for such a delicious recipe!
Oh, that is an excellent idea! Thanks for sharing that with us and for your great feedback.
Hey!
What kind of cheese can I use instead of cotija? I can not find it in my city.
Thank you!
Hi Evelina, cotija is hard to replace, but you could try a shredded Mexican 3-cheese blend. The tacos would still work without the cheese also.
I would rather use fresco or Panela cheese, 3 cheese blend is simply too salty to my taste.
That should work well too!
These are the bomb!!! My family and I love your recipes they are simple and tasty! Thank you!
That’s so awesome! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes Lyuda! Thank you for that wonderful review!
these were spectacular! I didn’t have siracha so I used a little cayenne in the sauce. I used corn tortillas and low carb flour also. I made pico to put on top. I’ll make these again and again!
Sounds like you found a favorite! So glad you loved this.
Delicious! My family already loves your Korean beef tacos and your fish tacos; now we have another taco recipe! I’m going to try the Hawaiian shrimp tacos next! Thanks, Natasha!
Wow sounds like you and your family are taco lovers just like us. Thanks for giving this a try and for your excellent review!
I made the sauce using sour cream and mayonnaise but i mixed in some Thai sweet chili sauce for the heat and because i like some sweet. It was delicious on your tacos!
That’s a nice addition, Cheryl. So glad to know that the end result was awesome! Thanks for sharing.
I made this last night, my husband love it. Thank you. Also I made Tortillas from scratch. Not very pretty, but this is my first time I made those tortillas. I am happy. Thanks again. I will try your another receipt soon.
That’s awesome Julie! No worries, I’m sure with practice you’ll be perfect at making tortillas!
Hi Julie,
How do you make Tortillas from scratch?
Natasha, I made this for my family tonight. We loved it, it’s an amazing recipe and easy to make! I told my husband that in fact, I’ve liked every recipe I’ve made from your website. Thank you for what you do!!
That makes me so happy, Kate. Thank you for your great feedback and review. I am so glad that you enjoyed every recipe that you’ve tried!
Haven’t tried this yet but it’s going to happen! What do I do differently in order to use frozen shrimp that is already cooked?
Hi Dave, we prefer fresh but that may work. Pre-cooked shrimp tends to get rubbery when heated. If you experiment I would love to know how you like that!
Best tacos ever.
I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Anna!
I made these yesterday.
A.MA.ZING! They were easy and delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Cathy! Are they so so good! Thank you for that wonderful review!
HELP!!! I’m out of hot sauce!! Is there a seasoning I could maybe add instead to give it a similar flavor? I’m making these tonight!!
Oh bummer! You could add a little spice with cayenne pepper to taste and also a tiny splash of vinegar if it needs it.
I just saw this recipe and also watch the video. I’m planning of making this but I have a question. I don’t have a gas stove what can I do or use to toast the tortilla.
Hi Jenn, I have a few different methods for toasting the tortilla in the video and in the written post above.
I made this for lunch today and it was fast and delicious! I added tapatio into my sauce instead and was the spicy kick we liked. Definitely one I’ll keep making!
Isn’t the flavor amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed that Denise!
Shrimp taco are the best! We made your recipe last night it was amazing!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Melissa!
Loved this recipe & the sauce was perfect, thank you for sharing! Would you mind sharing where you purchased your cutting board?
Thank you!
Hi Kelly, we used this cutting board here. It can also be found in our shop. I hope that helps.
I can’t wait to make these. Can you tell me which citrus press you recommend. I could not find it in the notes that you mentioned in the video. Thank you. Stacey
Hi Stacey, I am using the EcoJeannie Lemon Juicer. I hope that helps!
This was a hit! My husband and children loved it! I told my husband ‘tonight we are having shrimp tacos!’ And he wasn’t very thrilled with the idea. But he ate 9 of them YES 9 and my kids are VERY picky eaters but tonight they were not. I’ll tell you what they really loved them an I am sure that it will not be the last time I make them!
That is the best when kids (and the husband)love what we moms make. That’s so great!
I made these delicious tacos last night. Amazing!! I’m not a cilantro fan so swapped for parsley, made no difference. My boyfriend loved them and couldn’t get enough. The sauce makes the dish!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kasia! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Thank you for posting your experiment changing to parsley as I’m not a fan of cilantro too.
I love shrimp and I love tacos so I know I will love these! That sauce look absolutely amazing too. A little sweet and spice!
I hope you love this recipe, Krissy!
Oh, my…I need one! Better than Rubios! And, my favorite is the sauce! It brings it all together!
That is quite a compliment! Thank you, Kristyn, for your awesome review.
I want to put that sauce on everything!! These tacos are perfect & so easy & delicious!
I’m so glad you loved it. That sauce is what makes me crave shrimp tacos the most.
Can you please link the lemon squeezer? Thanks.
Hi Cathy, I apologize I missed that. Here is the citrus squeezer we love from Amazon.