This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. With juicy shrimp, vibrant slaw, and warm corn tortillas, these tacos are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Ideal for taco night or any casual meal, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Shrimp
- For the Slaw
- For the Sauce
- For Assembly
- How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
- Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
- Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
- Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
- How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Pair with Fresh Sides
- Add Toppings
- Include Dipping Sauces
- How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- What toppings can I add to my shrimp tacos?
- How spicy are these shrimp tacos?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy shrimp and fresh slaw delivers a delightful taste.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these tacos as a main meal or as part of a larger spread at your next fiesta.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, these tacos fit well into a balanced diet.
- Customizable Ingredients: Modify the toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking this recipe even easier. Here are the essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large ceramic non-stick skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large ceramic non-stick skillet: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making cleanup simple.
- Cast iron skillet: Perfect for warming tortillas quickly while adding a nice char to them.
Ingredients
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe with slaw and spicy juicy shrimp, wrapped in warm corn tortilla has the best taste and texture.
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined (I left tails on))
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Slaw
- 14 ounces bag of coleslaw (or 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1/2 small bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (2%+ fat)
- 1/4 cup mayo (I use avocado oil mayo)
- 1 lime (juice of)
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Pinch cayenne
For Assembly
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- 9 corn tortillas
- Easy guacamole (optional)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium bowl, add the shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Set aside for a moment.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, remaining taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your large ceramic non-stick skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink on one side before flipping them over. Cook until they’re no longer gray—this usually takes just a few minutes. For extra charred flavor, press down on them gently with a spatula while cooking. Alternatively, you can grill them using a silicone grill mat.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce you prepared earlier. Reserve some sauce for drizzling later. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
To warm your corn tortillas, place them in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Heat each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side while pressing down with a spatula to ensure they warm evenly.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
To assemble each taco, fill every warmed tortilla with about 3-4 shrimp pieces followed by some of the slaw mixture. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top for extra flavor. Serve immediately for best results!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and quick meal, perfect for any night of the week. Here are some creative ways to serve them!
Pair with Fresh Sides
- Mexican Rice: A fluffy, flavorful rice dish that complements the tacos beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, these beans add protein and heartiness to your meal.
Add Toppings
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, fresh jalapeños add heat and crunch.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and color.
Include Dipping Sauces
- Salsa Verde: This tangy green sauce enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
- Chipotle Sauce: A smoky chipotle sauce can elevate the taste with its unique flavor profile.

How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Perfecting this shrimp taco recipe is easy with a few helpful tips that enhance the taste and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and produce make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook until just pink; overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Heating the tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable.
- Customize the Slaw: Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These side dishes will complement your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos perfectly, adding variety to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn adds sweetness that pairs well with spicy shrimp.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances flavors and adds richness to your plate.
- Zucchini Fries: Baked or fried zucchini fries offer a crunchy texture alongside tacos.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and lime dressing provides protein and zest.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a classic pairing.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: Light and zesty quinoa brings an earthy note that complements the shrimp tacos nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making shrimp tacos can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to avoid while preparing your 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
- Ignoring the shrimp size: Using shrimp that are too small can lead to overcooking. Opt for medium or large shrimp for the best texture.
- Overseasoning: While flavor is important, adding too much taco seasoning can overpower the shrimp. Stick to the recommended amount for balance.
- Skipping the slaw: Neglecting to include slaw means missing out on essential crunch and flavor. Always add this fresh component for a complete dish.
- Not warming tortillas: Serving cold tortillas makes tacos less enjoyable. Warm them briefly on high heat for better texture and taste.
- Rushing the cooking process: Cooking shrimp too quickly may result in uneven cooking. Allow enough time for each side to properly cook without burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- For longer storage, freeze components separately.
- Shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Coleslaw should be consumed fresh; avoid freezing it.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat tacos individually for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe that you might find helpful.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just ensure they are thawed completely before seasoning and cooking.
What toppings can I add to my shrimp tacos?
Feel free to customize with toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or additional cilantro for extra flavor.
How spicy are these shrimp tacos?
The spice level is adjustable! Add more cayenne if you like it hot, or reduce it for milder flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free to enjoy these tasty tacos without gluten concerns.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home. Whether you want a simple weeknight dinner or a fun meal for guests, these tacos deliver delightful flavors and textures every time. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or sauces to make it your own!
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15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per serving) 1x
Description
Dive into the world of quick and flavorful meals with this 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos feature juicy shrimp seasoned to perfection, accompanied by a vibrant slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortillas. With a delightful balance of flavors and textures, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this speedy dish that promises satisfying bites every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 9 corn tortillas
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, remaining taco seasoning, and cayenne in a small bowl until smooth.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Cook shrimp until pink, about 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, cilantro, salt, and most of the sauce; save some for drizzling.
- Warm corn tortillas in a cast iron skillet for about 10 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp and slaw in each tortilla; drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 160mg