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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

The Crispy Chef
Bold, zesty, and utterly satisfying — these spicy shrimp tacos pair perfectly seasoned shrimp with a creamy avocado-lime crema. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re as perfect for weeknights as they are for impressing guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 tacos
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Food processor or blender
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • serving plates

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste (for crema)
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 4 lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toast in a dry pan for 30 seconds. Toss shrimp with the spice blend and lime juice. Marinate 15–20 minutes.
  • In a food processor, blend avocados, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust thickness with water if needed. Chill until serving.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes on one side, flip once, and cook another 1–2 minutes until pink and slightly curled. Remove from heat immediately.
  • Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  • Assemble tacos: spread avocado crema, top with shrimp (4–5 per taco), add cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

Use fresh, raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) for the best results. Don’t skip marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes — it makes a huge difference. Warm tortillas are essential for pliability and flavor. Leftover avocado crema keeps up to 2 days in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 22gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword avocado crema, seafood dinner, shrimp tacos, spicy tacos
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