Shrimp Taco Recipe with Creamy Avocado Sauce

5.0 from 1 vote

My Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado Dressing is one of the tastiest quick meals I make. When the seafood lover in me and the taco lover in me worked together, it came up with the ultimate Shrimp taco recipe. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, perfected over time to deliver a perfectly balanced blend of tender shrimp and a rich, velvety avocado sauce. I’m confident that this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

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Table of Contents

What’s Great About This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Taste – My avocado dressing has elevated these tacos to a whole new level!
Quick and Easy Recipe – Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep.
Healthy and Fresh – Packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and crunchy veggies.
Customizable – Easy to make your own by adding veggies or elevating your spice level.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

Shrimp – The star of the dish! Use tender, juicy shrimp, they cook in minutes.
Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick and keeps shrimp juicy during cooking.
Fresh Lime – Brightens and balances the spices.
Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor throughout.
Black Pepper – Adds mild heat and depth.
Paprika – Gives color and subtle smokiness.
Oregano – Brings an earthy, herbal note.
Garlic Powder – Adds warm, savory flavor.
Cumin – A touch of warmth and complexity.
Chili Powder – For just the right hint of spice.

For the Avocado Dressing:

Avocado – Creamy base full of healthy fats.
Jalapeño – Adds a little kick (remove seeds for less heat).
Garlic – Brings savory depth.
Cilantro – Fresh, citrusy, and essential for that taco flavor.
Greek Yogurt – Creamy, tangy, and protein-packed.
Lime Juice – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
Water – Adjusts consistency for easy drizzling.
Olive Oil – Helps the dressing blend smoothly.
Kosher Salt – Brings out all the flavors.

For Serving:

Red & Green Cabbage – Crunchy, colorful, and a great contrast to the creamy dressing.
Tortillas – The vessel for all the taco goodness! Use corn or flour based on your preference.

Substitutions

Shrimp: You can use chopped white fish (like cod or tilapia) or even grilled chicken.
Greek Yogurt: Sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative works well.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan, try parsley or a small handful of baby spinach.
Cabbage: Pre-shredded coleslaw mix can save time in a pinch.
Jalapeño: Swap with serrano for more heat or green bell pepper for no heat.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Make sure to have these tools ready before you start:

Mixing bowls
Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board and knife
Food processor or blender (for the dressing)
Tongs or spatula (for turning shrimp)

Instructions For Making Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, and all the shrimp seasonings. Toss well and set aside while prepping the other components.

Seasoning raw shrimp with lime juice, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for flavorful shrimp tacos.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Thinly slice red and green cabbage. Place in a bowl and set aside for taco assembly.

Chopping fresh purple cabbage on a cutting board for homemade shrimp tacos — adds crunch and color to every bite.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Dressing

In a food processor, combine avocado, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, water, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Blending avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream to make a creamy taco sauce for shrimp tacos.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Using medium heat, bring a skillet to temperature. Place your tortilla in the skillet and lightly warm. Keep warm wrapped in a clean towel.

Warming corn tortillas in a skillet until soft and lightly toasted, ready to fill with seasoned shrimp.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the marinated shrimp in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until your shrimp is pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat.

Cooking seasoned shrimp in a skillet until golden and juicy for delicious homemade shrimp tacos.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

On each tortilla, layer a handful of cabbage, a few shrimp, and a generous drizzle of avocado dressing. Top with cilantro or extra lime juice as a final touch.

Shrimp tacos topped with creamy avocado sauce and cilantro, served with lime wedges on a white plate.

Tips & Serving Suggestions

Make Ahead: The avocado dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using more or less jalapeño, or omit it for a kid-friendly version.
Serving Ideas: Pair with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried or black beans
- Fresh pico de gallo or mango salsa
- A side of chips and guacamole

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work well. First thaw your shrimp completely by running under cold water for a few minutes. Pat dry with paper towels so they cook evenly and get that nice golden sear.

What kind of tortillas are best for shrimp tacos?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas give an authentic flavor and texture, while flour tortillas are softer and more flexible for folding.

How long does avocado sauce last?

The avocado cilantro sauce will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the sauce before sealing.

Conclusion

These Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Dressing are light, flavorful, and full of texture. With tender shrimp, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy dressing, they check all the boxes for a satisfying and impressive meal.

Give it a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you. Happy cooking and taco-loving!