Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

BY

February 13, 2026

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema served in corn tortillas

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema bring heat, citrus, and creamy goodness together in every bite. The shrimp sizzle in a smoky spice blend, then tuck into warm tortillas with cool avocado crema and crisp toppings. This recipe feels festive but stays simple enough for a weeknight dinner.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick 30-minute meal
  • Bold, smoky flavor with fresh lime
  • Creamy avocado crema balances the heat
  • Perfect for Taco Tuesday or casual gatherings
  • Easy to customize with toppings

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ยฝ tsp cumin
  • ยฝ tsp garlic powder
  • ยฝ tsp salt
  • ยผ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Avocado Crema:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ยฝ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Pinch salt

For Serving:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • ยฝ cup diced tomatoes
  • Extra cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry. Toss them with olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2โ€“3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt until smooth to make the crema.
  4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  5. Assemble the Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema by layering shrimp, cabbage, tomatoes, and a drizzle of crema.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled corn. Pair with sparkling water with lime or a light margarita. Arrange tacos on a wooden board with extra crema in a small bowl for dipping.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add sliced jalapeรฑos for extra heat.
  • Swap shrimp for grilled fish or chicken.
  • Use chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store shrimp and crema separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Can I make avocado crema ahead of time?

Yes. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

Are these tacos spicy?

They have mild to medium heat. Adjust chili powder to taste.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema deliver bold flavor, creamy texture, and fresh toppings in every bite. They come together fast and make dinner feel special without extra effort. Try them once, and they might become your new taco favorite.

Print
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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema served in corn tortillas

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema are bold, fresh, and ready in 25 minutes. Juicy shrimp paired with creamy avocado sauce in warm tortillas.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Juice of 1 lime

1 ripe avocado

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1 tbsp lime juice

1 garlic clove

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

8 small tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 cup diced tomatoes


Instructions

1. Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2โ€“3 minutes per side until pink.

3. Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt until smooth.

4. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.

5. Assemble tacos with shrimp, cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado crema.

6. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Adjust chili powder to control heat level.

Store shrimp and crema separately for up to 2 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg

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