Name: Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed, fresh or thawed); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 6 to 8 corn or flour tortillas; 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 clove garlic (peeled); ½ small jalapeno (seeds and membranes removed); ¼ cup tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; Zest and juice of 1 large or 2 very small limes (about 2 teaspoons zest and 3 tablespoons juice); 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix; Garnishes: avocados, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges, mango salsa

The bright zing of lime meets a spicy kick in this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe, making every bite a flavor explosion. It’s one of those recipes that feels fresh yet comforting, perfect for a casual dinner or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.

The image shows five small white tortillas with three cooked shrimp on each one. The tortillas have some charred spots on the edges, adding texture. On top of the shrimp, there is a layer of thinly shredded light green cabbage. A light green sauce is dolloped over the shrimp, creating contrast with the darker shrimp color. Around the tortillas, there are sliced green jalapeños, a few cilantro leaves, and a lime wedge. Everything is placed on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these shrimp tacos—it quickly became a weeknight favorite thanks to how fast everything comes together and the crazy-good layers of flavor. This isn't your average taco; the creamy cilantro lime sauce paired with just the right amount of spice in the shrimp makes it unforgettable.

Flavor-packed but simple: You don’t need a hundred ingredients to get vibrant, fresh taste.
Quick to prepare: Perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without waiting.
Versatile garnishes: From avocado to mango salsa, the toppings let you mix it up any way you like.
Make-ahead sauce: The cilantro lime sauce doubles as a spread and a slaw dressing, cutting your prep in half.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe plays a role, from the juicy shrimp to the zingy sauce and crunch of cabbage. Here's why these components pair so well and some tips on picking the best versions.

Flat lay of peeled deveined large shrimp, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with chili powder, a small white bowl with ground chipotle chili pepper, a small white bowl with ground cumin, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a neat stack of corn tortillas, a halved avocado with bright green flesh, fresh cilantro sprigs, a small white bowl of sour cream, lime wedges, a small white bowl of chunky mango salsa, a small white bowl of nonfat plain Greek yogurt, one peeled garlic clove, half a small jalapeno pepper without seeds, a small bunch of tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, two whole limes, a small white bowl of lime zest, shredded green cabbage in a simple white ceramic bowl placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp for ease and balanced texture.
Chili powder & chipotle chili pepper: These give the shrimp a smoky, spicy depth without overwhelming heat.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used both for marinade and sauce, it brings smooth richness and carries flavors.
Greek yogurt: It’s the backbone of the creamy cilantro lime sauce; thick, tangy, and healthier than mayo or sour cream.
Fresh cilantro & lime: Their brightness enlivens the sauce and the whole taco, making it taste fresh and vibrant.
Garlic & jalapeno: For a subtle punch that complements rather than overpowers.
Cabbage (or slaw mix): Adds a satisfying crunch and freshness to every bite, balancing the creamy sauce.
Tortillas: Corn for authenticity or flour for softness—both work wonderfully, just warm them up before serving.
Garnishes: Avocado, mango salsa, or a squeeze of lime really take these tacos to the next level.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is. You can dial up the heat, swap out garnishes, or even change up the base if you need to cater to different tastes or dietary needs.

Variation: On hotter days, I like adding a bit more jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne to the shrimp for an extra kick.
Make it dairy-free: Swap the Greek yogurt with a creamy coconut yogurt, and your sauce stays tangy and luscious.
Seasonal switch-up: In summer, fresh mango salsa shines, but in winter, a simple pico de gallo or pickled onions add a cozy brightness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

A single flat round tortilla sits flat on a white marbled surface with brown charred spots. On top, there is a layer of thin shredded pale green cabbage mixed with small green herb pieces spread in the middle. Three large pieces of orange-colored cooked shrimp with dark grill marks are placed on the cabbage. Over the shrimp and cabbage, dollops of light green creamy sauce are scattered. Some small bits of herbs are sprinkled around on the tortilla and the surface nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

I start by rinsing and patting the shrimp dry—this small step helps the seasoning stick better. I drizzle half the olive oil, sprinkle the chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, cumin, and kosher salt, then toss gently, making sure every shrimp is coated evenly. Letting them rest while you prep the sauce lets those spices mellow into the shrimp perfectly.

Step 2: Whirl Up the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce & Slaw

I use my food processor for this—just Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, salt, lime zest, and juice. It’s quick and makes a sauce that’s zesty and creamy with just a hint of heat. Toss the cabbage with about half the sauce; adjust if you like your slaw creamier. Keep the rest of the sauce handy for drizzling on your finished tacos.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Tender Perfection

Heat the remaining olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high until it’s shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 4 minutes—just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook; shrimp get rubbery fast. As soon as they’re done, transfer them right away to a plate to stop them from cooking further.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas and Build Your Tacos

I like to warm my tortillas stacked together, covered with a damp cloth in the microwave, or briefly in a low oven. Then it’s assembly time! Layer your shrimp, slaw, a generous drizzle of extra sauce, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and any toppings you love. Dive in right away for the best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve nailed down a few tricks that really elevate these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe. These simple tips help keep everything balanced and bursting with flavor.

Don’t overcrowd your pan: Giving shrimp space keeps them from steaming and turning rubbery.
Prep sauce first: That way, it has time for the flavors to meld while you season and cook shrimp.
Use fresh lime zest and juice: Bottled lime juice just doesn't give that bright zing your sauce needs.
Warm tortillas properly: A damp towel in the microwave or low oven keeps them soft and pliable for folding.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with creamy avocado slices and lime wedges for squeezing on top. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, and a spoonful of mango salsa if I want a touch of sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.

Side Dishes

These tacos go beautifully with a side of Mexican street corn salad, black beans, or even just a crisp green salad. For casual gatherings, I like serving homemade tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes turn these into a "taco bar," with all the toppings neatly laid out so everyone can build their own. Another fun twist I’ve tried is serving the shrimp over crunchy tostada shells instead of tortillas for extra crunch and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp taste great, but I keep them in an airtight container separate from the tortillas and slaw to avoid sogginess. The slaw and sauce refrigerate well too, so I store those separately and assemble fresh tacos the next day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled tacos, but you can freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed bag for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat quickly in a skillet, then add fresh sauce and slaw for the best experience.

Reheating

When reheating shrimp, I gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through—this prevents overcooking and rubberiness. Warm tortillas separately, then reassemble with fresh sauce and slaw for almost-like-new tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work really well—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to avoid watery tacos.

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

They have a pleasant mild to medium heat from the chipotle and jalapeño, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder according to your taste.

Can I make the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually benefits from sitting for a bit as the flavors meld beautifully. You can make it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well—corn gives a classic texture and flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, great if you’re filling them loaded with toppings. Warm them properly before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both so easy to whip up and endlessly satisfying. I love sharing it with friends who can’t believe how fresh and vibrant shrimp tacos can be without hours of work. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making these spicy, creamy, crunchy morsels over and over again.