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A close-up of three crispy shrimp tacos filled with grilled shrimp, slaw, and pico de gallo, with a lime wedge on the side.

Spicy Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos

Zesty shrimp marinated in chipotle and lime, quickly cooked, and served in warm tortillas with a crunchy cabbage slaw and a creamy avocado-lime sauce. A fresh and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Chipotle Lime Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails off
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin ground
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
For the Creamy Avocado-Lime Sauce
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp water or more, for desired consistency
  • Salt to taste
For the Cabbage Slaw
  • 2 cups green cabbage shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
For Assembly
  • 8-12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving
  • Thinly sliced radishes optional
  • Cotija cheese crumbled, optional
  • Pickled red onions optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Skillet or Grill Pan
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups

Method
 

Prepare the Chipotle Lime Shrimp
  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss gently to ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.
Make the Creamy Avocado-Lime Sauce
  1. While the shrimp marinates, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and water. Mash with a fork or whisk until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a blender for an extra smooth consistency. Season with salt to taste and add more water if a thinner consistency is desired. Set aside.
Prepare the Cabbage Slaw
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine all ingredients. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Warm the Tortillas
  1. While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave briefly.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. To assemble your tacos, spread a spoonful of the creamy avocado-lime sauce onto the center of each warm tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the cabbage slaw, then add 3-4 cooked chipotle lime shrimp. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and any additional desired toppings such as sliced radishes, crumbled Cotija cheese, or pickled red onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an alternative cooking method, you can grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying. Thread them onto skewers for easier handling on the grill. The avocado-lime sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day in the refrigerator; press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent browning.