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 frozen and 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; Optional garnishes: avocados, cilantro leaves, sour cream or additional Greek yogurt, lime wedges, mango salsa

There’s something about the sizzle of seasoned shrimp hitting a hot skillet and the tangy zing of cilantro lime sauce that just sings summer on a plate. This Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe is a perfect balance of smoky heat, creamy freshness, and crunch that you'll be craving again and again.

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 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 adore these tacos because they combine bold flavors with quick prep—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Every bite bursts with freshness and just enough spice to keep things exciting without overpowering.

Balanced Flavor Profile: The smoky chipotle and cumin spice the shrimp just right, complemented by a bright, zesty cilantro lime sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, these tacos come together fast, great for dinner when time’s tight.
Customizable Toppings: You can dress them up with fresh avocado, mango salsa, or even a crunchy slaw to suit your mood.
Healthy and Light: Packed with protein and veggies, these tacos won’t leave you weighed down.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because of fresh, simple ingredients that bring layers of flavor and texture—seasoned shrimp, a creamy but bright sauce, and a crunchy slaw. When you pick your shrimp, look for large or jumbo sizes so they stand out and cook evenly.

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: Peeled and deveined, they cook quickly and soak up the spices beautifully.
Chili powder & Ground chipotle chili pepper: These give a subtle smoky heat that makes the shrimp memorable.
Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness—key for that classic taco flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for cooking and in the sauce, it ties elements together with richness.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, it’s the star of the lime sauce, adding an herby brightness you don’t want to skip.
Greek yogurt: Creamy base for the sauce that keeps it lighter than mayo or sour cream alone.
Jalapeno: Adds a gentle heat kick; removing seeds lets you control spiciness easily.
Lime zest and juice: Essential for tang that sharpens flavors and brightens the whole dish.
Cabbage or slaw mix: Gives a refreshing crunch that contrasts the tender shrimp perfectly.
Tortillas (corn or flour): The bed for all the goodness—warm them up to make folding easier.
Garnishes (avocado, sour cream, mango salsa, lime wedges): These toppings add layers of creaminess, sweetness, and acidity for a taco experience you’ll love.

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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 of the things I love most about this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe is just how easy it is to personalize. I often switch up the garnishes or adjust the heat level depending on who's joining me for dinner.

Mild Variation: I remove the jalapeno seeds and add a pinch of smoked paprika instead of chipotle if my guests prefer less heat—it still brings great flavor without the burn.
Extra Crunch: Sometimes I mix shredded carrots into the slaw for a little sweetness and color crunch—it makes the tacos pop visually!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the Greek yogurt in the sauce for a creamy avocado base or a dairy-free yogurt to keep it light and allergy-friendly.
Protein Swap: If shrimp isn’t your thing, I've also had success with diced grilled chicken or crispy tofu using the same seasoning and sauce combo.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy 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 Your Shrimp Like a Pro

Start by rinsing and drying your shrimp thoroughly—this helps the seasoning stick and prevents soggy cooking. In a big bowl, toss them with half a tablespoon of olive oil and the chili powder, chipotle, cumin, and kosher salt. Letting them rest while you prep the sauce means those spices sink in nicely, boosting flavor.

Step 2: Whirl Up the Cilantro Lime Sauce and Toss Slaw

Pop your Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic clove, seeded jalapeno, fresh cilantro, salt, lime zest, and juice into a food processor. I like to give it a quick taste afterward to adjust the lime and salt—this keeps it fresh and balanced. Then toss your shredded cabbage right in with about half a cup of the sauce—this makes the slaw creamy but still crisp. Reserve the rest of the sauce for drizzling later.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp Just Right

Heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high in a nonstick skillet. When it's hot, add your shrimp in a single layer—it only takes around four minutes to cook until opaque and slightly pink. Be careful not to overcook; shrimp can turn rubbery fast. Once done, transfer them to a plate immediately to keep them tender.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas and Assemble Tacos

I like to warm my tortillas stacked in the microwave covered with a damp towel, keeping them soft and pliable. Spoon the shrimp onto each tortilla, pile on the slaw, drizzle extra cilantro lime sauce, and finish with a squeeze of lime. If I have them on hand, avocado slices or mango salsa add a delicious fresh contrast that never disappoints.

Top Tip

After making this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few key things that really improve the outcome and make the process smoother for you.

Don’t Skip Resting the Shrimp: Let the seasoning rest on the shrimp before cooking to deepen flavor and ensure even coating.
Control Your Heat: Removing seeds from jalapeno lets you dial back the spice without losing flavor—a simple way to keep everyone happy.
Slaw Sauce Ratio: Add just enough sauce to coat the slaw without drowning it, or it can get soggy—reserve extra sauce for serving on the side.
Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Watch on the stove and pull them off as soon as they turn opaque to keep them juicy and tender.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always finish these tacos with ripe avocado slices for creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for cooling contrast, fresh lime wedges to brighten every bite, and sometimes a spoonful of mango salsa if I want a touch of sweetness. These layers take the tacos from simple to seriously tasty.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing these spicy shrimp tacos with a quick black bean salad or Mexican street corn (elote style) to keep the meal vibrant and satisfying. Even a simple cilantro lime rice works perfectly if you want something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting, I like to set up a taco bar—warm tortillas, bowls of slaw, shrimp, sauces, and assorted garnishes so everyone can build their own. It’s fun, colorful, and takes the pressure off me while making the meal interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the cooked shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp from getting soggy and the slaw fresh. The sauce stores well too, so you can drizzle more when reheating.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen assembled tacos (because tortillas get soggy), I've frozen the cooked shrimp alone—they thaw quickly and reheat well in a skillet. Just give them a quick warm-up with a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through. For the tortillas, I pop them in a dry pan or microwave covered briefly. I keep the slaw and sauce chilled until ready to serve so they stay crisp and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat your shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent that beautiful sear.

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

The spice level is moderate and depends on how much jalapeno and chipotle powder you use. Removing the jalapeno seeds cuts down heat significantly, making it approachable for most palates. Feel free to adjust to your liking!

Can I make the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes better after resting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas for tacos?

I like to stack tortillas, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave for about 30-45 seconds to keep them soft. Alternatively, warming them wrapped in foil in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes also works well.

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe have become a go-to in my kitchen because they’re fresh, colorful, and full of flavor without fuss. I love how quickly they come together and how customizable they are for family dinners or weekend entertaining. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be one of your favorite dinner ideas too—grab those shrimp and get cooking!