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); Avocados; Cilantro; Sour cream (or Greek yogurt); Lime wedges; Mango salsa

There's something about the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that make my Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s a beautiful mix of spicy, creamy, and tangy that hits every craving just right — and honestly, it never gets old.

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

After making Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe a dozen times, I fully believe it’s worth every minute you spend prepping. The balance of heat from the shrimp and the cool brightness from the sauce is seriously addictive. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up any day of the week!

Fresh, Flavor-Packed: The cilantro lime sauce brings fresh zest that complements the smoky, spicy shrimp perfectly.
Quick and Easy: From seasoning the shrimp to assembling tacos, you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Customizable: You can swap tortillas, add your favorite garnishes, or adjust the spice level effortlessly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to casual get-togethers, these tacos always impress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part to build layers of flavor and texture. Using fresh shrimp and making the cilantro lime sauce from scratch really makes a difference, while the cabbage slaw adds a crisp bite that you’ll appreciate in every forkful.

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 shrimp are tender and soak up the spices beautifully — fresh or thawed frozen both work well.
Chili Powder, Chipotle, and Cumin: These spices give the shrimp a smoky, spicy kick without overpowering cozy home flavors.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Divided between seasoning and cooking, it helps everything come together silky and golden.
Greek Yogurt: Acts as a creamy base for the cilantro lime sauce, offering tangy richness with fewer calories.
Garlic and Jalapeno: Adding subtle heat and aromatic depth to the sauce that wakes up your taste buds.
Fresh Cilantro: The star herb in the sauce, bringing that unmistakable brightness and fresh aroma.
Lime Zest and Juice: Adds vibrant citrus notes that cut through the richness and balance the heat beautifully.
Cabbage or Slaw Mix: The crunch factor — I love how it adds texture and freshness to the tacos.
Tortillas: Both corn and flour work here; warming them before serving makes folding your tacos easier and tastier.
Garnishes: Avocados, mango salsa, extra cilantro, sour cream — all optional but highly recommended for that extra flavor dimension.

📝

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 how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or what’s in your kitchen. You can spice things up or keep it mild without losing that signature flavor.

Variation: I sometimes swap the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu when we want a break from seafood — the sauce still shines and keeps the tacos vibrant.
Heat Level: If you prefer mild flavors, just skip the jalapeno or use less chipotle powder — trust me, the lime-cilantro combo keeps it interesting!
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap Greek yogurt for a coconut yogurt or a cashew cream to keep the sauce creamy and bright.

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 to Perfection

Start by rinsing and drying your shrimp really well—that helps the spices stick better. I toss mine in a big bowl with half a tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle in chili powder, chipotle chili, cumin, and kosher salt. I like to give it a quick toss and then let it sit while I prepare the sauce—it helps those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Sauce and Slaw

In a food processor, blend Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno (without seeds if you want it less spicy), fresh cilantro, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Give it a taste and adjust if needed—the bright, creamy sauce is what really pulls everything together. Toss about half a cup of this sauce with shredded cabbage to create the slaw, adding more sauce if you want it creamier, then save the rest for topping your tacos.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 4 minutes total, tossing once. Keep a close eye—it goes fast! The shrimp should turn opaque and pink, with a slight char but still juicy. Remove them right away to avoid rubbery bites.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble Your Tacos

I like to warm tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel or in a low oven while the shrimp finish cooking. Then, load each tortilla with a handful of shrimp, a generous scoop of the creamy slaw, a drizzle of extra cilantro lime sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Adding slices of avocado or a spoonful of mango salsa turns these into a little fiesta on a plate.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned some handy tips that make a big difference with this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe. These tricks ensure your shrimp stay juicy, your sauce is bursting with flavor, and assembly goes smoothly.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking shrimp in batches if needed helps them sear nicely instead of steaming.
Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: It’s worth the extra pat with paper towels so the spice rub clings perfectly and you get a better crust.
Make the Sauce Ahead: Preparing the cilantro lime sauce in advance lets the flavors meld, making it even more vibrant at serving time.
Warm Tortillas Just Before Serving: It keeps them soft and pliable, making your tacos easier to fold without cracking.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh avocado slices on these tacos — their creaminess cools down just enough of the heat. A little extra cilantro adds that punch of herby brightness, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is always welcome if you want to amp the creaminess further. A wedge of lime on the side is essential for that zesty finish right before the first bite.

Side Dishes

Simple sides are the best companions here — I usually pair these tacos with black beans, Mexican street corn, or a quick mango salsa to complement the flavors. A crisp green salad with avocado and lime dressing also brightens up the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love setting up a taco bar with different toppings and sauces so everyone can build their own. Using miniature tortillas or lettuce cups can turn this dish into bite-sized appetizers that disappear at lightning speed — trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp and slaw store beautifully in separate airtight containers in the fridge. I recommend keeping tortillas separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess — just warm them fresh before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked shrimp a few times with success, but I prefer prepping fresh if I can — frozen shrimp sometimes get a little softer after reheating. The sauce and slaw don’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients, so I suggest making those fresh next time.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp gently in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes to prevent overcooking. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth. I always add a fresh squeeze of lime or extra sauce to refresh the flavors when serving leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cilantro lime sauce in advance?

Yes! Making the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors actually get more vibrant after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just keep it covered and give it a good stir before serving.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch for when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Cooking for about 4 minutes total in a hot pan works well. Remove them immediately to prevent tough, rubbery shrimp.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Both corn and flour tortillas work great for this recipe. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, which some prefer, while corn adds a nice traditional texture and flavor.

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

The recipe has a balanced spice level thanks to the chili powder, chipotle, and a small amount of jalapeno in the sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by removing the jalapeno seeds or reducing the chipotle chili to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something that’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is so doable — perfect for sharing with friends or keeping things fun at home. Try making it your way, and I bet it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation too!