Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos are packed with bold flavors and topped with a smooth and refreshing avocado crema. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw, then finished with a creamy, tangy sauce for the perfect balance of heat and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Spicy: Perfectly seasoned shrimp with a kick of heat.
• Creamy & Refreshing: Avocado crema cools down the spice.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Spicy Shrimp:

• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
• Chili Powder (1 tsp)
• Smoked Paprika (½ tsp)
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
• Cumin (½ tsp)
• Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp, or to taste)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Lime Juice (1 tbsp)

For the Avocado Crema:

• Avocado (1 ripe)
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (½ cup)
• Lime Juice (2 tbsp)
• Garlic (1 clove, minced)
• Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Water (as needed for consistency)

For the Tacos:

• Corn or Flour Tortillas (6 small)
• Red Cabbage (1 cup, shredded)
• Carrot (½ cup, shredded)
• Jalapeño (1 small, thinly sliced, optional)
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime Wedges (for serving)

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or Grill Pan
• Blender or Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

1. Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

2. Make the Avocado Crema

Blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt until smooth. Add water as needed to reach a creamy consistency. Set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with cabbage, carrot, shrimp, and jalapeño slices. Drizzle with avocado crema and garnish with fresh cilantro.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Serve with lime wedges and extra avocado crema on the side.

What to Serve with These Tacos

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
• Black Beans or Refried Beans
• Cilantro-Lime Rice
• Mango Salsa for a sweet contrast

Tips for the Best Tacos

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp cook best and absorb flavors well.
• Control the Spice: Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.
• Warm the Tortillas: This makes them soft and pliable for easy folding.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store shrimp and crema separately for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
• Freeze: Shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months (avoid freezing the crema).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these tacos dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt or blend avocado with a splash of coconut milk.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely! Grill shrimp on skewers over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.

What if I don’t like spicy food?
Reduce or skip the cayenne and jalapeño, and add extra avocado crema for balance.

Conclusion

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema are a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for taco night. With spicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and a creamy sauce, they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 450mg

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