These Shrimp Tacos are an absolute flavor explosion! Loaded with spicy shrimp, tomatoes, fresh avocado and THE BEST Shrimp Taco Sauce they get rave reviews every time!
Who doesn’t love tacos? To me they just scream summer time. Perhaps it is all of the bright flavors or the fact that they go so well with a cold bottle of beer. Either way, these shrimp tacos are definitely the perfect summer time supper.
They are quick, easy and tasty. They also showcase some of my favorite flavors: cumin, chili powder, cilantro and lime.
The combination of spices in this seafood tacos recipe can make the shrimp a little spicy. Have no fear though; the coolness of the cilantro-lime sour cream sauce balances out the flavor nicely.
DES’ TIP: If you do want to tone the spice down a little bit, you can cut the amount of chili powder in half and omit the cayenne pepper.
How do you make the BEST Shrimp Taco Sauce?
Finally, let’s talk about THAT SAUCE shall we? The cilantro lime sour cream that graces the top of these tacos is scrumptious. It is simply sour cream, cilantro, cumin and a little lime. It couldn’t be easier to make and is the PERFECT sauce for shrimp tacos.
How do you make shrimp tacos?
Follow the step by step photos and instructions below to see just how easy these are to make!
STEP 1: Season shrimp. Toss to make sure that all shrimp is coated in seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
STEP 2: Sauté shrimp until pink and opaque. This will take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or it will be rubbery.
STEP 3: Make cilantro lime sour cream by mixing together all ingredients in a bowl.
STEP 4: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook corn tortillas until soft. About 30 seconds per side. Fold into taco shape.
DES’ TIP: You don’t need a lot of oil to fry the tortillas, just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet. Cooking them this way gives a subtle crunch.
To assemble the tacos, I layer the shrimp and cilantro cream sauce with lettuce (you could top with with cabbage too for some extra crunch!), diced tomatoes and diced avocado. It really helps make these tacos the perfect summer time meal.
I have been making this easy tacos recipe for years, and they are a hit with the whole family and friends each and every time. A quick glance at the comments section and you’ll see even more rave reviews like this one from Donna:
“This was so delicious! Family loved it..the sauce is divine. Thank you..will definitely be a family favorite.” – Donna
If you want to add even a little more summer flare, you could grill the shrimp in these tacos and make grilled shrimp tacos. It wouldn’t take long to do. Just a few minutes on the grill and you’re good to go.
While these tacos are pretty hearty, if you’re looking for a full on taco party, I mean who isn’t? You’ll want to serve some sides. Chips, salsa and guacamole are always a must.
If you want to spice things up, you could drizzle some habanero hot sauce over the top. And of course, any good taco party is going to have beans. Black beans are one of our favorite options. Or if you have a little extra time, you could try these slow cooker refried beans.
Finally, you’ll need something to wash it all down with, right? How about some Strawberry Jalapeno Margaritas!
Don’t forget to save this recipe for when Cinco de Mayo comes around. It’s not Cinco de Mayo without them!
If you like seafood tacos, be sure to check out my recipe for Crispy Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw too. You’ll love them!
Note: This recipe was originally published in 2009. It was updated with new photos, tips, nutrition facts and a video in 2020.
Servings
Ingredients
- 20 medium prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 corn tortillas
- oil for frying
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- sliced avocado
- cilantro lime sour cream (recipe follows)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper (if using). Add in shrimp and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to give the flavors a chance to marry.
- Cook shrimp in a skillet on medium heat until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.
- Use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of a small pan, about 2 tablespoons. Heat over medium-high heat. Cook tortillas until soft, about 30 seconds on each side. Fold over to make a taco shell. As you cook each tortilla, place them on paper towels to absorb any of the oil left over.
- Stir all ingredients for the Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream together in a bowl.
- Spoon 5 shrimp into each taco shell. Top with lettuce, tomato, avocado and cilantro-lime sour cream. Serve.
These shrimp tacos look absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try the cilantro lime sauce; it sounds so refreshing. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the video!
These shrimp tacos look absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try the cilantro lime sauce – it sounds like the perfect addition. Thanks for sharing the video too; it really helps to see the process!
[…] LOVE tacos around here. They are a hit whether they are Shrimp Tacos, Fish Tacos, Steak Tacos, basically any kind of tacos and my family is running to the dinner table […]
I haven’t made this in years and it is still great ! One of my favorite recipes. I’m very glad it came across my radar again. It’s a hit for sure!
The shrimp are excellent! Made in the air fryer- didn’t preheat; 400° 4 minutes.
The sauce was a bit thick and heavy on the lime. Going to try a jalapeno cilantro sauce next time. For now, going to munch on my extra shrimp. 😋
[…] 25. Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce […]
Thank you!!
Simply Delish!
[…] Source This recipe comes from Life’s Ambrosia and is the perfect recipe for lunch or dinner. It’s flavorful and filling! You can even substitute the shrimp for a different protein if you aren’t a fan of seafood. […]
I LOVE how simple and delicious these recipes are! My mouth is watering just thinking of making them again 🙂
[…] shrimp avocados with cilantro lime sauce […]
that’s very cool option for me.
i just love this delicious food, Thanks you!!
Such a Delicious food! Perfect to eat with enjoy
This looks perfect for our next taco night! Will definitely give this a try!
These tacos remind me of the ones I got in California earlier this year! I can’t wait to make them!
Delicious! Perfect for taco Tuesday!
My family would love this!! It’s fantastic!!
That looks so warm and comforting! Yummy! Cannot wait to try this. Thank you for a great recipe!
This looks like the perfect combination, thank you so much for sharing!
This looks SO good! I have to make it asap!
Yes, I love a good spicy dinner. These shrimp tacos sound fantastic!
Yum, perfect for taco night!
These look great! I love a dish that’s both yummy AND colorful!
I love a good shrimp taco!
I love shrimp and fish tacos. I am so excited about the cilantro and lime sour cream!
Shrimp tacos are my all time favorite, I cannot wait to try these!
This crema is SO good!! Lime and sour cream make a delicious team.
We adore fish tacos, this looks so easy and seriously tasty!! Can not wait to try it!
I love how light and fresh this is! I love these flavors together. Can’t wait to have this on taco night!
Shrimp tacos are one of our favorite dinners!
Shrimp Tacos are always welcome!
Yes for all the shrimp tacos, these are my fav!
I love some shrimp tacos! Can’t wait to try!
This look delicious!
Such fresh flavors, and I can’t wait to make this!
I love all the flavors here. I am a huge cilantro fan! Looks delicious.
Love me some shrimp tacos!
I made these for “Taco Tuesday” and they were a hit!
[…] avocado…greek yogurt to dip. Substitute beef with bison for a healthier option. These shrimp tacos are a favorite in my […]
[…] Wednesday — Shrimp Tacos […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream– Skip frying and warm the tortillas in the microwave. Cut the oil in the marinade to 1 tsp. Use 1 ounce of avocado per taco. Swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream. 8 PPV per serving (as modified) […]
[…] get on board with. i snagged which up. i’ll be producing This specific recipe for sure. 5 | shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sour cream along with lastly…This specific deliciousness. i’m a big big fan of fish tacos. […]
[…] — grilled shrimp using the spice seasoning and cilantro sauce in this shrimp taco recipe I actually ended up broiling these as an afternoon storm knocked out the grilling […]
[…] recipe is an adaption combo of The Pioneer Woman’s Shrimp Taco Recipe and Life’s Ambrosia’s Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream. I did some research and found these two fit my shrimp taco craving the best, but as always, feel […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos […]
[…] — chicken + shrimp […]
[…] — chicken + shrimp […]
[…] — steak and shrimp fajitas […]
[…] had the most delicious shrimp tacos for dinner and stayed in instead of battling the cold outside. No time for pictures because they […]
These
tacos look extra amazing
[…] […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream (via Life’s Ambrosia) I made this recipe last weekend after seeing one of my California friends enjoying delicious […]
[…] Tacos with Chipotle Cream Seared Ahi Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream Grilled Fish Tacos with Chili Lime Slaw Tequila Lime Fish […]
[…] it. Being from Florida, I’m also a huge seafood fanatic, therefore when I came across this recipe for shrimp tacos with cilantro-lime sour cream, I knew it was the best of both […]
[…] – Shrimp Tacos – skip the sour cream sauce and use a lettuce wrap instead of […]
Good stuff, but I recommend 1/2 the lime juice as the sauce might be a little runny with more. Also try Crema Mexicana instead of regular sour cream for a more authentic flavor. Lastly, don’t pair it with Corona! Blech! Bohemia or one of the emerging Mexican craft beers, like Agua Mala Sirena.
[…] Tuesday — Shrimp Tacos […]
[…] – Shrimp Tacos I make the sauce with plain yogurt and use a lettuce wrap instead of […]
Love how fast, fresh & delicious these are!
I am flattered that you chose one of my recipes for such a special day and even happier to hear your family enjoyed it! I love the idea of grilling the shrimp and using a cabbage/carrot/broccoli topping. Sounds delicious!
Made this for my family tonight. It was a big hit. My wife enjoyed it and it was my little gift for Mother’s Day. Even my 5 year old ate it. I grilled the shrimp and it turned out amazing. And I also used cabbage, carrots, and broccoli as a topping. Thank you for posting this.
[…] – chicken & shrimp […]
[…] had fish tacos at Sava’s, we have been dreaming of recreating them at home. We made this recipe and they were out of this world good! We topped them with some crunchy slaw and […]
You’re welcome! So happy to hear that you enjoyed it. We’ll be making it all summer too! :)
SO yummy!!!! I made them for my Recipe Club gals and they were a hit! For 5 of us, I got 2lbs prawns, each person got 2 and there was some left over! I just served on warm white corn tortillas instead if frying-saved calories and really not necessary to fry because the seasoning on the prawns is delish!!!! Thank you for this recipe! Will be making it all summer…
[…] by the hubs, so that was quite the perk. We had Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream (we used this recipe) and WOW were they […]
[…] I wanted to recreate I did find this cilantro lime sour cream that I just had to try (courtesy of Life’s Ambrosia). So my sunny happy attitude and I made our way to the grocery store to pick up what was needed […]
[…] Wednesday — Shrimp Tacos […]
So nice to hear! Thank you!
Family loved it.
Absolutely loved this recipe. i didnt have any olive oil so i used canola oil instead and it was still delicious. thanks for the recipe.
[…] heat until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Yields: 2 servings Shrimp recipe from: Life’s Ambrosia Slaw recipe from: Women’s Day Spread the Word:Like this:Like […]
This was so delicious! Family loved it..the sauce is divine. Thank you..will definitely be a family favorite.
[…] — Chicken + Shrimp Tacos I make the sour cream sauce with plain yogurt and eat these in a lettuce […]
This is a good recipe. I’d specify no more than 1 tbsp lime juice in the sauce, though. I followed your recipe and used all the juice from a lime and – even though I ended up doubling the sour cream – it made the sauce too runny and the flavor was overpowering.
We doubled the spice amounts and added 1/2 tsp of chipotle powder. Spicy but not too hot. Good recipe, will make again!
I made these with fresh Asian Tiger prawns. Quality ingredients equal a quality shrimp taco.
I made these tonight and they were deliscious. I added fresh pico to them. Amazing!!!!
Michie- Testing my math skills! Since this recipe serves 2 and you want to serve 15, you’ll need to multiply everything by 7.5. So for the tacos 150 prawns, 7 1/2 cloves garlic, 1 1/4 tbl chili powder and cumin, about 2 teaspoons kosher salt and cayenne pepper, 7.5 tablespoons olive oil, 30 corn tortillas. For the sour cream, about 2 cups of sour cream, 15 tbl chopped cliantro, about 2 teaspoons cumin, juice from about 7 limes. Again my math may be a bit rusty but this should get you very close, just be sure to taste before serving. I’d even cook up a few shrimp before and taste them to make sure everything tastes right to you. Hope this helps!
What would the amounts be if I’m cooking for 15 ppl?
[…] — Shrimp Tacos Skip the sour cream sauce and use a lettuce wrap instead of […]
Thank you John! And thank you for sharing my blog with others :)
I love this recipe. I made it for dinner tonight and have shared your URL with others. Going to try some of your other recipes.
[…] Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream – Life’s Ambrosia […]
Just made for dinner tonight, came out perfect!!!!
Delicious- a keeper recipe. My husband loves it
[…] — Chicken & Shrimp Tacos I’ve started combining these two so that my non-shrimp eaters can enjoy shrimp and I dont […]
[…] — Grilled Chicken & Shrimp Tacos with Guac and […]
These are the best tacos!! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Thanks for posting this recipe.
i just mad it , it is very good ..thank you.
Love shrimp and fish tacos, but being Cajun I prefer to blacken the shrimp.
[…] – Shrimp Tacos – use grass-fed plain yogurt to make the saue and use a lettuce wrap instead of […]
[…] — Shrimp Tacos – use a lettuce wrap instead of tortillas; I’m going to use grass-fed plain yogurt […]
[…] – Shrimp Tacos Skip the sour cream sauce and use a lettuce wrap instead of […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream– Skip frying and warm the tortillas in the microwave. Cut the oil in the marinade to 1 tsp. Use 1 ounce of avocado per taco. Swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream. 8 PPV per serving (as modified) […]
I’m fairly new to cooking, and I was leery about trying this, even though it’s not really complicated. These are delicious. One thing that I messed up was I forgot to add the chili powder. Following the directions, I didn’t see where it said to add it, I’m assuming in the mixture that you put the shrimp in. Thank you for this recipe. They are awesome.
And also….. cabbage. Is hot option instead. Of lettuc
Fish tacos r always a fav in my house so I know they will love this…. I think I will use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream! I am so excited for dinner tomorrow night!
[…] When I am feeling dangerous I might buy shrimp, since I have been inducted into the world of the Shrimp Taco. Usually, my list is limited to chicken breasts, whole chickens, maybe drumsticks or thighs, and […]
Outstanding!
Just wanted to say that my husband and I tried these in January (yes, we grilled out in Missouri January weather) and they were so good – I mean REALLY good – that I almost started crying….no kidding – I hadn’t eaten solid food in three days due to a medical procedure and THIS recipe was what I wanted! :) We make these for company every chance we get and we still have them once a week for our regular menu item on Taco Tuesday…don’t skimp on the cilantro lime sauce, people, it adds just the right compliment to the spicyness of the shrimp – SO GOOD!
Thanks Inspired Dish! That is awesome! :) Sierra- I’m glad you and your family enjoyed it!
Delicious! My whole family absolutely loved this recipe, and the best part was it took less than 30 minutes to make! Thanks for this wonderful recipe :)
Hiya! I have returned to announce that your shrimp tacos received the most likes on The Inspired Dish’s Facebook Page this week and I would like to give you our Tasty Blog Award! I have posted the award to your facebook page. Please feel free to use it on you website if you like! Loved the lime, cilantro sour cream!
Hi Des,
Theses look super yummy! I am so hungry for shrimp tacos and these are making my mouth water! I have featured them on my FB page so my readers can have a drool! Stop by and see me! -Cathy
[…] – Shrimp Tacos + Guacamole Skip the sour cream sauce and sub a lettuce wrap for the […]
So good!! Husband said it was like eating at a restaurant & I outdid myself! :) Couldn’t stop eating the leftover cilantro-lime sourcream with chips! Thanks so much for recipe.
This was so good. The lime was a little strong and I only used half of the juice. Definitely making this again!
Des, this shrimp taco recipe was outstanding!! Yum! I look forward to trying your other recipes. Do you have a cookbook?
[…] Shrimp Tacos with […]
[…] and you don’t use any cheese which is a nice calorie saver. The original recipe is from here but I’ve adapted it a bit. And I should also warn you that this is another spicy one. […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos in a lettuce wrap, with guac and habanero […]
Had these for dinner last night! I used fresh Maine shrimp and I used the white tortillas instead of corn…very yummy!!! I will be making these again and again!!
[…] and you don’t use any cheese which is a nice calorie saver. The original recipe is from here but I’ve adapted it a bit. And I should also warn you that this is another spicy one. […]
[…] shrimp tacos (skip the sour cream sauce) in lettuce wrap with cabbage and […]
so yummy. but my husband and I made a biggggg mistake- we added a freshly chopped, whole jalapeno to the recipe…. we love spicy things, but this was burn-your-face-off spicy. we couldnt stop eating them because they were sooo good, but we downed a gallon of milk afterwards =p
This shrimp taco recipe was out of this world! Loved the lime cilantro sauce so much, enough to blog about it, actually! Stop by and see my shout out.
I made them for my husband and two teenaged boys tonight. I used a whole package of frozen salad shrimp, which came out to two small tacos apiece. Next time I’ll be doubling the recipe to make the tacos a bit fatter. The boys (including Dad) loved them. I didn’t have any cilantro, so left it out of the sour cream, but added some southwestern seasoning, and it was still delicious. Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe!
These turned out great! My 84 year old grandma, 6 year old nephew, and 30 year old fiance’ all want these again, soon! I used fat free sour cream, and no one had a clue.
here is the shrimp taco recipe I told you about real good
[…] Thursday — shrimp tacos! […]
My husband hates shrimp tacos… but he LOVED these! My 7 year old even ate seconds. Good work!
[…] Shrimp Tacos […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos (either A or B) and some kind of slaw (maybe this or this or this?) Note: the slaw was good, but not really the […]
Big hit at dinner tonight! I scraped the cooked kernels from a corn on the cob and added it to the sauce. Also substituted finely shredded red cabbage for the lettuce. That extra crunch was so good!! Will make these again and again for sure!
[…] — Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour […]
[…] Thursday -Shrimp Tacos […]
[…] Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream at LifesAmbrosia.com […]
[…] – Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream + black beans (if we’re not sick of them), possibly guacamole + Habanero Salsa (<- […]
I made this dish, and it was easy and DELICIOUS!!!
I made these last night…OMG! YUM!! Soooo good! Even the hubby loved them!
Outstanding! I substituted tartar for sour cream, and I mixed in a little chipotle paste instead of cayenne, and used LOTS of Garlic. OMG…I’m now back in my wife’s good graces. Thanks!
the whole family love, love, loved them. Thanks so much.
we made this 2 nights ago and it was a big hit. i used greek yogurt instead of sour cream. great stuff Des
[…] via: Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] via: Life’s Ambrosia […]
Made it last night, absolutely delicious ,even my too young kids loved it! Served it with spanish rice and beans.Thank you so much for sharing your recipes.
Shannon- Thank you! I like the sound of homemade spanish rice. How did you make it?
You won’t be disappointed! These were AMAZING! We ate them in mid-November, served with homemade spanish rice!
WOW. We made this recipe for dinner last week and it was absolutely delicious. I rank it up there with some of the best mexican restaurant shrimp tacos around. We will probably cut back on the lime juice and zest next time – but this is truly an A+ recipe!
You can make this a little healthier if you want to use yogurt instead of sour cream…Just sayin
O.k.- My mouth is watering! I don’t believe I can rest until I’ve made and enjoyed this delish dish!
Wenderly
Thank you Mary!
i’ve made shrimp tacos 3 times in 2 weeks, and your recipe is the best one….so delicious!!! thank you for sharing your awesome recipe and beautiful photos, cant wait to see what else you have on your blog
[…] Stuffed Zucchini from It’s All Gouda, Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs from Kats’ Kitchen, Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream from Life’s Ambrosia, Green Salsa with Avocado from Mexico in My Kitchen, Sweet […]
I hope you enjoy them Melissa!
REALLY excited to try this one tonight!
[…] Stuffed Zucchini from It’s All Gouda, Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs from Kats’ Kitchen, Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream from Life’s Ambrosia, Green Salsa with Avocado from Mexico in My Kitchen, Sweet […]
You’re welcome Sadia! I am glad that you liked them :)
I just made this for dinner – loved the tasty shrimp, and the sauce was a nice touch! thanks!
Looks so tasty – of all the things I never had in a taco … now I have to try it.
This is a perfect meal in my book!! Cannot get enough of these flavors!!
Wow look at that photo! That is one gorgeous dish!
Ohmygosh, could this look more attractive? I’ve never eaten anything like this (British girl, here!) but wow, do I want to. I adore seafood in any format!
looks delish!
Darn! We might have run into one another at Pike Place and talked blogging!
This is a really mouthwatering photo. I was thinking about tacos today myself. And I bought shrimp at the market!
Ohhh grilled seafood in a tortilla, it’s like all my cravings wrapped into a cute parcel!
I LOVE what you’ve done to the site. It looks so fresh and dynamic! Good job!