Name: 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; Avocados (optional); Cilantro (optional garnish); Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional garnish); Lime wedges (for serving); Mango salsa (optional); 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

There’s something magical about the bright, zesty flavors in this Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe—the spicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy slaw work together like the perfect trio. It’s a quick, fresh dinner that never fails to impress both family and friends.

The image shows five soft tacos arranged on a white marbled surface, each with three layers: a toasted, slightly charred white tortilla base, a layer of shredded pale green cabbage, and three pieces of reddish-brown cooked shrimp with dark seasoning on top. Each taco is topped with a light green creamy sauce and small pieces of chopped fresh green herbs. Around the tacos, there are slices of green jalapeno pepper and a wedge of lime, along with scattered green herb leaves. The overall look is fresh, colorful, and neatly arranged. 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 Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless shrimp tacos in my kitchen, but this flavorful combination with cilantro lime sauce always rises to the top. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough to serve guests, and everyone always asks for seconds!

Balanced Flavors: The zesty lime and fresh cilantro in the sauce perfectly complement the smoky, spiced shrimp.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe fits right into busy schedules without compromising taste.
Customizable: You can easily switch up toppings or add your favorite salsa for your personal twist.
Fresh & Healthy: Loaded with protein, veggies, and vibrant flavors that feel light but satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients—each one here brings a special something to the table. Picking fresh shrimp makes a big difference, and the combination of spices adds warmth and a subtle smoky kick. Plus, that cilantro lime sauce? Game changer. A few shopping tips included so you’re set up for delicious success.

Flat lay of large peeled and deveined raw shrimp without tails arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with bright green avocado halves, a small white bowl filled with vibrant shredded cabbage, whole uncracked brown and white corn tortillas stacked evenly, a small white bowl containing creamy plain Greek yogurt, fresh whole garlic clove, half a small green jalapeno pepper without seeds, fresh lime wedges and whole lime with zest visible, small bunch of bright fresh cilantro leaves, a small white bowl with golden extra-virgin olive oil, and a small white bowl with colorful mango salsa, 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: Use large or jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined for the best texture and fast cooking.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds healthy fat and helps give the shrimp a lovely sear; divided use keeps everything juicy without greasiness.
Chili Powder & Ground Chipotle: The chili powder provides classic taco spice; chipotle adds smoky heat that’s irresistible.
Cumin: Brings that warm, earthy depth common in Mexican-inspired dishes.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning shrimp and sauce properly.
Corn or Flour Tortillas: Both work well; warm them to make folds easier and flavors pop.
Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: Makes a creamy, tangy base for the cilantro lime sauce without heaviness.
Garlic and Jalapeno: Fresh aromatics that build real flavor without overpowering heat.
Fresh Cilantro: Key to the sauce’s bright, herbal notes—pack it in!
Lime Zest and Juice: Adds vibrant citrus lift essential for that signature tangy kick.
Shredded Cabbage or Slaw Mix: Provides crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
Garnishes: Avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges, and mango salsa add extra flavor and visual appeal.

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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

I love tweaking this shrimp taco recipe depending on what’s in season or what mood I’m in. You can totally personalize the toppings or spice level to suit your tastes—tweak it until it’s your favorite go-to.

Variation: One time, I swapped out the jalapeno for a sweeter roasted red pepper in the sauce, which mellowed the heat and added a smoky layer of flavor—I was surprised how much I loved it!
Dietary Add-Ons: For a dairy-free version, use a cashew or coconut-based yogurt in the sauce, and opt for corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free.
Seasonal Swaps: Try adding fresh mango or pineapple chunks to the slaw for a tropical twist that brightens things up in summer.

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

The image shows a single soft tortilla flat on a white marbled surface with slight burn marks. On the tortilla, there is a layer of shredded light green cabbage spread in the center. Three pieces of cooked shrimp with a reddish-orange spiced crust sit on top of the cabbage in a rough triangle shape. Small dollops of creamy light green sauce are placed on the shrimp and cabbage. Some chopped fresh green herbs are scattered over the ingredients and the surface around. Parts of two more similar tortillas with toppings are partly visible at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Shrimp with Love

Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting them dry—moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Toss them with half a tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, chipotle, cumin, and salt. I like to give them 5-10 minutes to soak up those spices while I prep the sauce and slaw—it’s worth the wait.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Sauce and Slaw

This is where the magic happens. Throw the yogurt, remaining olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, lime zest, and juice into your food processor and blitz until creamy. Taste and tweak it—you want that perfect balance of zing and creaminess. Toss the cabbage in about half the sauce to create a crunchy, flavorful slaw and save the rest for topping your tacos.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Heat up the last bit of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add those beautifully seasoned shrimp and sauté until they’re opaque and just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Watch them closely—overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast, and nobody wants that! Transfer immediately to a plate to rest.

Step 4: Warm and Assemble the Tacos

I like to warm my tortillas either wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave or popped in a low oven—this keeps them nice and pliable for folding. Then fill each tortilla with shrimp, slaw, a drizzle of the extra sauce, a squeeze of lime, and whatever garnishes you love. Dive right in while everything's fresh and vibrant!

Top Tip

Over the years, these tips helped me nail my shrimp tacos every single time. It’s all about timing, seasoning, and not rushing the steps—small adjustments make a big difference!

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp go from tender to rubbery in seconds—pull them off the heat just as they turn opaque.
Rest the Shrimp: Letting them rest briefly after cooking locks in juiciness and keeps them flavorful.
Make Sauce Ahead: The cilantro lime sauce can be made the day before—it tastes even better once the flavors meld.
Warm Tortillas Last: Warm tortillas just before serving so they stay soft and don’t dry out.

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always add ripe avocado slices because they bring creamy richness that balances the spice and acidity beautifully. A little extra sour cream or Greek yogurt dolloped on top adds indulgent creaminess. Lime wedges are a must for that fresh citrus burst, and mango salsa is my secret weapon for a touch of sweetness and color.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple Mexican street corn salad, some black beans, or even a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a light, refreshing contrast. If you want to keep it easy, a side of tortilla chips and salsa is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during gatherings, I serve shrimp tacos as a DIY taco bar—lay out warm tortillas, shrimp, sauces, slaws, and a variety of toppings so everyone can build their own. It turns dinner into a festive, interactive experience that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The slaw is best kept chilled but eaten within 2 days, as cabbage can release moisture and become soggy. This helps maintain the crisp textures for the next meal.

Freezing

Shrimp don’t freeze well once cooked in this recipe because the texture changes. I recommend freezing only raw shrimp if you want to plan ahead—season and cook fresh when ready for the best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid toughening them up. Warm tortillas in the oven or microwave but keep garnishes and sauce cold for freshness. Add slaw right before serving to keep it crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water affecting the texture and cooking process.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce or omit the jalapeno and chipotle chili powder to lower the heat level. The sauce will still be flavorful thanks to the lime and cilantro. Alternatively, swap jalapeno for a mild green pepper.

Can I make the sauce without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can finely mince the garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro and whisk everything together in a bowl. It’ll take a bit more elbow grease but still taste delicious.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

I recommend warming tortillas wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or wrapping them in foil and heating in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and pliable, perfect for folding.

Final Thoughts

Making this Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. The balance of flavors takes simple ingredients to something truly memorable. If you want an easy, fresh, and crowd-pleasing meal, I really hope you give this a try—it might just become one of your favorites too!