The Perfect Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema Recipe for Taco Night

Spicy shrimp tacos with avocado crema deliver a culinary adventure that awakens every taste bud with vibrant flavors and exciting textures.

Ocean-fresh seafood enhances into a mouthwatering centerpiece that dances between heat and coolness.

Crisp ingredients combine in unexpected ways, creating a symphony of sensations that elevate casual dining.

The recipe balances spiciness with creamy smoothness, allowing each bite to tell a delicious story.

Bright colors and bold seasonings make this dish more than just a meal—it’s an experience that connects people.

Unexpected flavor combinations turn an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Your next gathering will buzz with excitement and delectable aromas.

Why Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema Are a Must-Try

• Ignite Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, these shrimp tacos deliver a mouthwatering punch that awakens every taste bud with complex, layered heat.
• Craft Quick Gourmet Meal: Requiring only 30 minutes of marinating and 6 minutes of cooking, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality tacos perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Celebrate Creamy Texture Harmony: The silky avocado crema balances the spicy shrimp's intensity, creating a luxurious contrast between cool, smooth sauce and zesty, charred seafood that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Boost Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and low in sugar, these tacos offer a nutritionally balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.

Essential Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Shrimp: Tender seafood protein with sweet and delicate flavor, best when fresh and deveined.

• Avocado Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy oil with high smoke point perfect for searing shrimp.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element to tenderize and add zesty flavor to shrimp.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Warm spice blend creating depth and complexity in marinade.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient adding robust flavor and depth to shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural flavors.

• Avocado: Creamy, rich base providing smooth texture and healthy fat.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb adding bright, herbal notes to the sauce.
• Jalapeño: Adds mild heat and fresh pepper flavor to crema.
• Yogurt: Tangy ingredient creating smooth, creamy consistency.
• Water: Helps adjust sauce thickness and blend ingredients smoothly.

• Tortillas: Soft, flexible base for taco construction.
• Cabbage: Crunchy, fresh element providing texture and lightness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright garnish for additional herbal freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Acidic garnish to brighten overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Guide for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Marinade

• Avocado oil
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Coat the shrimp completely in the prepared marinade, ensuring every piece is evenly covered. Refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and infuse.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce

• Ripe avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Yogurt
• Water
• Kosher salt

Pulse until silky smooth, adjusting consistency by adding water as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Cabbage Slaw

Thinly slice cabbage using a mandoline or sharp knife. Mix with a portion of the avocado crema, creating a creamy and crisp slaw.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Choose between cast iron skillet or grill skewers. Cook on medium-high heat, ensuring shrimp are spread out without overlapping. Sear for 4-6 minutes total, flipping midway to achieve beautiful golden color.

Step 6: Assemble Your Flavor-Packed Tacos

Layer tortillas with cabbage slaw, top with sizzling shrimp, and drizzle generously with remaining avocado crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of brightness.

Serve immediately and enjoy your dish!

Top Tips for Making Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Marinate Smartly: Let shrimp sit in the spicy marinade for no more than 30 minutes to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the delicate protein and turning it mushy.
• Perfect Skillet Technique: Use a cast iron skillet for maximum heat distribution and to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear on the shrimp without overcooking.
• Crema Consistency Control: Add water gradually when blending avocado crema to reach your desired thickness, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
• Cabbage Slaw Tip: Mix cabbage with a small amount of avocado crema just before serving to keep the slaw crisp and prevent unwanted sogginess.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and squeeze lime wedges right before serving to boost flavor and add a vibrant, fresh finish to your tacos.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep avocado crema and shrimp separate to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy tortillas. Wrap components individually to preserve freshness.
• Reheating: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning carefully to prevent overcooking. Briefly toast tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds on each side to restore their original softness. Drizzle fresh avocado crema after reheating to revive the vibrant flavors and creamy consistency.
• Tip: Consume refrigerated shrimp tacos within 48 hours for optimal taste and food safety.

Perfect Pairings for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Burst of Tropical Refreshment: Pair these spicy shrimp tacos with a crisp, citrusy Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial, which cuts through the heat and complements the zesty lime flavors.
• Cool Down the Fire: Serve a tangy cucumber-mint mojito alongside the tacos to balance the spiciness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the bold seafood seasonings.
• Creamy Sidekick: Add a simple black bean and corn salad dressed with a light cilantro-lime vinaigrette to enhance the taco's flavor profile and provide a cool, creamy texture that matches the avocado crema.
• Fresh Finish: Include a light, bright watermelon and jicama salad with a sprinkle of chili powder to add a sweet and crunchy element that rounds out the meal's spicy and rich components.

Flavor Variations of Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

• Tropical Coconut Shrimp Tacos: Replace avocado oil with coconut oil and add shredded coconut to the marinade for a sweet island-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Greek Shrimp Tacos: Swap spices with oregano, dill, and za'atar. Use tzatziki instead of avocado crema and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean touch.
• Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos: Intensify spice blend with Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. Top with remoulade sauce instead of avocado crema for a New Orleans-style kick.
• Korean-Inspired Gochujang Shrimp Tacos: Incorporate gochujang paste into the marinade, use kimchi slaw instead of regular cabbage, and drizzle with sesame-soy crema for an Asian fusion experience.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired spicy shrimp tacos promise a flavor explosion with zesty grilled shrimp nestled in warm tortillas. Creamy avocado crema and fresh cilantro complete this irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) shrimp (uncooked, peeled, deveined, tails removed)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dark chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or garlic powder)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Cooking and Crema Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 medium avocado (seed removed and flesh scooped out)
• 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cilantro
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 jalapeño (seeds removed)
• 8 to 10 small flour or corn tortillas (lightly toasted)
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 teaspoons)
• Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together avocado oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Gently toss cleaned shrimp into the aromatic marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow flavors to meld by refrigerating for 15-25 minutes.
3. Create smooth avocado crema by blending ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, seeded jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, plain yogurt, and water in a food processor. Season with kosher salt and pulse until silky. Adjust consistency by gradually adding water.
4. Finely slice cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating delicate ribbons. Fold a portion of prepared avocado crema into the cabbage, creating a creamy slaw.
5. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F or 190-204°C). Arrange marinated shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
6. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Warm corn tortillas briefly. Layer each tortilla with prepared cabbage slaw, perfectly cooked shrimp, and an additional drizzle of avocado crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Dive into a flavor explosion with these vibrant shrimp tacos that promise a zesty dance of spices and creamy textures.
• Marinating the shrimp allows each succulent piece to absorb a robust blend of smoky, spicy seasonings for maximum taste impact.
• Whip up the avocado crema ahead of time, giving it a chance to chill and let the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Crisp cabbage transforms into a tangy slaw when mixed with the creamy avocado sauce, adding delightful crunch to every bite.
• Cooking shrimp quickly over high heat ensures a perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Serve these tacos immediately with fresh cilantro and bright lime wedges to elevate the entire dining experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg