Main dish

Shrimp Tacos Mexicanos

Indulge in the flavorful world of Mexican cuisine with our Shrimp Tacos Mexicanos recipe! Perfectly seasoned and topped with fresh ingredients.

To recipe
tacos mexicanos
Recipe insights & TIPS
Shrimp Tacos Mexicanos

One of my favorite foods is tacos (I mean, who doesn’t like tacos?), but a nearby Mexican restaurant serves some of the best classic Tacos Mexicanos I’ve ever tasted, prompting me to try my own version at home. Traditional Tacos Mexicanos are made by filling a small corn tortilla with meat, vegetables and spices. It’s a popular street food, with the most common fillings being grilled beef (carne asada), grilled chicken (pollo asado), shredded pork (carnitas), and slow-cooked beef or lamb (barbacoa). But in this version, we are lightening it up a bit and swapping in shrimp! 

Making these at home is like throwing your own mini-fiesta, so why not pair them with a Modelo or Corona as well? And the best thing about this recipe is that there’s tons of room to adapt it based on your preferences. It’s great for a family with picky eaters, allowing everyone to top their tacos with whatever they like best. If you’re not a shrimp fan, you can easily swap the shrimp for your favorite protein option like chicken, pork or go for a veggie option and use black beans. These tacos come together in just 20 minutes, so they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. And if you don’t finish everything, you can simply pop the toppings into the fridge and have leftovers for lunch the next day, helping reduce your food waste

Shrimp Tacos Mexicanos

FAQs

How do I store shrimp tacos Mexicanos?

For the shrimp, ensure they are fully cooled before storing and place them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tortillas should be wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out, and toppings should all be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge. 

What can I serve with shrimp tacos Mexicanos?

These tacos can be served with Mexican rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, or guacamole.

What do I do if my shrimp are rubbery?

Don't overcook them! Shrimp cook very fast, so 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat is the golden rule. 

Can I use flour tortillas for shrimp tacos Mexicanos?

While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas will still do the trick. Warm them up in a dry pan or skillet until soft and pliable.

Can I make this recipe plant-based?

You can easily make this recipe plant-based by using chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, and black beans add color and texture.

A white, fluffy chef's hat with an orange band, logo of Foodness Gracious.

Recipe

For a delicious twist on taco Mexicanos, this shrimp version is lighter and bursting with flavor. Made with succulent shrimp seasoned with classic Mexican spices and topped with homemade crema.

Course:
Main dish
COOKing TIME:
10 minutes
Total TIME:
20 minutes
CUISINE:
Mexican
PREP TIME:
10 minutes
SERVINGS:
4

Ingredients

  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 2lb raw shrimp (frozen, peeled, and tail-off for ease)
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Taco toppings:

  • Shredded cabbage
  • 2 medium avocados
  • 2 Roma tomatoes - diced
  • 1 red onion - diced
  • Cilantro 
  • 4 oz shredded cheese of choice
  • 1 lime - cut into wedges

Homemade crema:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sriracha sauce

Ingredient Swaps

  • Swap the shrimp for firm tofu or jackfruit for a protein-packed plant-based version. 
  • In the crema, you can swap out half the sour cream and mayonnaise to cut back on the fat. 
  • Add some extra veggies like shredded carrots or thinly sliced cucumber. 
  • Always aim to source your shrimp from a company with sustainable seafood practices. 

Instructions

Shrimp:

  1. Dethaw your shrimp and place them in a medium-sized bowl
  2. In a small dish, combine seasonings and then sprinkle over the shrimp until fully coated. 
  3. Drizzle olive oil into a pan over medium heat.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, then set aside. 

Homemade crema:

  1. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and sriracha sauce and stir until well combined. 

Preparing the tacos:

  1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat. 
  2. Place corn tortillas in the pan for a minute on each side. 
  3. Put the tortillas on a plate and begin to prepare them, starting with the shrimp. 
  4. Add the remaining toppings of your choice and then top with homemade crema. 
  5. Serve with lime wedges. 
A white, fluffy chef's hat with an orange band, logo of Foodness Gracious.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @foodnessgracious on Instagram and hashtag it #foodnessgracious so we can see all the deliciousness!