Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

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Craving a fresh, light meal that still packs bold flavor? These Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema are the answer. The shrimp are seasoned to perfection and quickly sautéed, giving you tender, flavorful bites in every taco. But the real magic comes from the avocado crema—a cool, creamy blend that ties it all together.

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a hectic weeknight, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how the creamy avocado sauce balances the spice from the shrimp, and when tucked into warm tortillas with crisp toppings, every bite is a satisfying mix of texture and flavor.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Corn tortillas are a classic choice for shrimp tacos—they add a bit of earthy flavor and hold up well with juicy fillings. If you’re after something softer and a little more flexible, flour tortillas work beautifully too. For a gluten-free option, stick to certified gluten-free corn tortillas.

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Ingredients for the Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the avocado crema:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
• Pinch of salt

To assemble:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving

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How To Make the Easy Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Avocado Crema

Step 1: Season and Cook the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Set aside.

Step 2: Blend the Avocado Crema

In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach desired consistency.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Spread a spoonful of avocado crema on each tortilla. Add a layer of shredded cabbage, top with 3–4 shrimp, then sprinkle with red onion and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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Serving and Storing Shrimp Tacos

Serve these tacos immediately while the shrimp are warm and the tortillas are soft. They’re great for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or backyard dinners with friends. For a fun twist, pair them with pineapple salsa or pickled onions.

To store leftovers, keep shrimp, crema, and toppings in separate containers in the fridge. The shrimp will keep for up to 2 days, and the avocado crema is best used within 1 day to avoid browning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

The spice level is mild to medium. You can increase the heat by adding cayenne or hot sauce, or dial it down by reducing chili powder.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely—just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

What can I substitute for avocado crema?

You could use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a simple squeeze of lime and olive oil. Even guacamole works well.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

They can be! Just use gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your spices and sour cream/yogurt.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Yes, grilling adds a lovely char. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.

How do I make them dairy-free?

Swap the sour cream or yogurt in the crema for a plant-based version like coconut yogurt or cashew cream.

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Want More Taco Ideas with a Twist?

If these shrimp tacos hit the spot, you might love exploring more delicious taco-style or Tex-Mex-inspired dishes:

• Try the Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a spicy, cheesy twist.
• Craving beef? Dive into The Ultimate Taco Casserole layered with all your favorite fixings.
• For a vegetarian option, the Giant Zucchini Parmesan delivers hearty, bold flavors.
• Keep it handheld and fun with Cheesy Pizza Bombs.
• Or go for cozy comfort with Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever taco cravings hit.

And when you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you thought. Did you swap in grilled shrimp? Add a hot sauce drizzle? Share your spin in the comments below!

Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes for more fresh, easy recipes I post daily.

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