Name: Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/3 cup sour cream; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice (squeezed from 1 medium lime); 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 3/4 tsp Sriracha sauce (or to taste); 8 white corn tortillas (small, 6” diameter), or hard taco shells; 1/2 small purple cabbage (2 cups shredded); 1 large avocado (pitted, peeled, and diced); 1/2 red onion (diced); 4 oz Cotija cheese (1 cup grated on a box grater); 1/4 bunch cilantro (coarsely chopped); 1 lime (cut into 8 wedges); 1 lb shrimp (medium or large, raw); 1 garlic clove (pressed or minced); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 Tbsp olive oil

If you’re hunting for a vibrant, fresh dinner idea that’s actually easy to pull together, you’re going to love my Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe. When I first tried this, I was floored by how the bright lime cilantro sauce perfectly complements the juicy, seasoned shrimp and crunchy cabbage. Trust me, once you try it, these tacos will become your go-to crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Ready to dive into something absolutely delicious? Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Flavorful: The lime cilantro sauce adds a zing that brightens the whole taco.
Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
Customizable: You can swap toppings or spice levels effortlessly to suit your taste.
Family Favorite: My family devours these every time with rave reviews.

Three soft, slightly toasted corn tortillas stand next to each other on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each tortilla is folded and filled with bright orange shrimp, followed by fresh green avocado slices and purple cabbage shreds at the bottom for a crunchy texture. On top, a sprinkling of white crumbly cheese adds a light texture, while thin streaks of creamy white sauce are drizzled over the shrimp. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered around and inside for a fresh touch, and two lime wedges with a light green color sit behind the tacos, adding a fresh twist. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce, Shrimp Taco Recipe, Easy Seafood Tacos, Fresh Lime Cilantro Sauce, Quick Dinner Ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The great thing about this Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe is how each ingredient plays a star role—from creamy avocado to tangy cotija cheese, and, of course, the perfectly seasoned shrimp. Shopping tip: look for fresh shrimp, ideally wild-caught, and ripe but firm avocado to nail the texture balance.

Flat lay of fresh raw shrimp with glistening shells, a halved ripe avocado diced into chunks, thinly shredded vibrant purple cabbage, finely diced bright red onion, a small handful of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, another small white bowl with smooth mayonnaise, a small white bowl containing freshly squeezed lime juice, a few whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl holding a deep orange-red Sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a neat mound of crumbly white Cotija cheese, a small pile of white corn tortillas stacked evenly, and a fresh lime cut into eight wedges all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates 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 Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce, Shrimp Taco Recipe, Easy Seafood Tacos, Fresh Lime Cilantro Sauce, Quick Dinner Ideas

Sour cream: It gives the sauce that creamy tang that balances the lime’s acidity.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the shrimp and tacos.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for brightness in the sauce.
Garlic powder: A subtle base flavor, try not to overpower with fresh garlic here.
Sriracha sauce: Adds a gentle kick, but you can adjust according to your spice preference.
White corn tortillas: Soft and tender, these make the perfect taco base, though hard shells work if you prefer extra crunch.
Purple cabbage: Shredded thinly, it adds crunch and a pop of color.
Avocado: Creamy and mild, it helps balance the tang and heat.
Red onion: Provides zest and a little bite that wakes up the palate.
Cotija cheese: Crumbly and salty, it adds an authentic Mexican touch.
Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, it’s essential for the bright lime cilantro sauce.
Lime wedges: For an extra squeeze of freshness at serving.
Shrimp: Medium or large; juicy, tender, and the taco’s hero.
Garlic clove: Freshly minced to season the shrimp perfectly.
Sea salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper: These spices create a balanced, flavorful shrimp mix.
Olive oil: For sautéing shrimp just right without drying them out.

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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.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to tweak it depending on what you have in the fridge or any dietary preferences—this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.

Spicy shrimp variation: I like to add extra cayenne or a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky heat kick that my spice-loving friends adore.
Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower – both soak up the sauce beautifully.
Hard shell tacos: When my kids requested crunch, I switched to hard taco shells and kept everything else the same. They gobbled them up!
Fresh salsa topping: Adding pico de gallo adds an extra layer of freshness and texture that’s super satisfying.

How to Make Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Lime Cilantro Sauce

Start by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and sriracha in a small bowl – then whisk it all together until it’s smooth. I like to let it sit while I prep the shrimp so the flavors really get to know each other. Pro tip: transfer it to a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling later, especially if you’re serving a crowd.

Step 2: Get Your Toppings Ready

Next, thinly slice the purple cabbage, dice the avocado, finely chop the red onion, and coarsely chop your cilantro. I like to place each in small bowls so assembly becomes a fun, customizable affair for everyone eating.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry, then toss them in a bowl with garlic, sea salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes per side—just until opaque with pink accents. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery! I learned this the hard way, and I always keep a close eye to get that perfect juicy texture.

Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas

Warm your tortillas over a gas flame, on a skillet, or griddle until they’re soft and pliable with just a hint of toastiness. This step makes the tacos fold easier and elevates the taste big time, trust me.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy!

Build your tacos by layering cabbage, onion, shrimp, avocado, and cotija cheese over the warm tortillas. Drizzle generously with that tangy lime cilantro sauce and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. This is the moment where everything comes together in a celebration of flavors you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Watch the shrimp closely; they cook fast and should be just opaque with pink edges.
Keep Sauce Cool: Make your lime cilantro sauce ahead and chill—it tastes even better as the flavors meld.
Warm Tortillas Properly: Toast them lightly so they’re flexible and flavorful, which really boosts the taco texture.
Prep Toppings Early: Having everything ready before you cook makes assembly a breeze, especially if you’re feeding a group.

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe

A close-up of two tacos on a white plate with a white marbled surface. Each taco has a soft, slightly charred corn tortilla as the base. Inside the tortillas, there are pieces of cooked orange shrimp layered with slices of fresh green avocado, purple shredded cabbage, and green cilantro leaves. White crumbly cheese is sprinkled over the ingredients. The tacos are finished with a drizzle of white creamy sauce on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce, Shrimp Taco Recipe, Easy Seafood Tacos, Fresh Lime Cilantro Sauce, Quick Dinner Ideas

Garnishes

I love topping these tacos with extra fresh cilantro and a good squeeze of lime right before serving. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of jalapeño for a fresh pop of heat. A sprinkle of extra cotija cheese right on top gives the perfect salty finish that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like Mexican street corn (elote), black beans, or a fresh mango salsa. When I serve these, I often whip up a chilled cucumber salad to add a cool, crunchy contrast that balances the spicy shrimp perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try laying out all the toppings buffet-style and let guests build their own shrimp tacos. I even like serving these with edible flowers and colorful ceramic dishes to make it feel extra festive. For a quick lunch option, I’ve stacked the cooked shrimp and toppings inside a wrap instead of tortillas—same great flavors, just a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the shrimp and sauce separately from the tortillas and toppings to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess. I usually place cooked shrimp in an airtight container with a little sauce, then store veggies in separate containers—this keeps the textures spot on the next day.

Freezing

While shrimp tacos are best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp seasoned just as the recipe describes. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. I thaw frozen shrimp gently in the fridge overnight and reheat quickly for taco nights on demand.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp in a hot pan for just a minute or two to keep them juicy—microwaving sometimes makes shrimp rubbery, so I avoid that. Warm the tortillas separately in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture, which can cause shrinking or steaming rather than a nice sauté.
Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija, feta is a great alternative since it has a similar salty, crumbly texture. Just be mindful that feta has more moisture, so crumble it lightly.
How spicy is the lime cilantro sauce?

The sauce has a mild heat due to the sriracha, which you can easily adjust or omit if you prefer it less spicy. It’s more tangy and creamy than spicy, making it perfect for all taste buds.
Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! I often make the lime cilantro sauce a day ahead; it keeps well and tastes even better after its flavors develop. You can also prep the toppings early and store everything chilled until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Shrimp Tacos with Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe balances fresh, creamy, and spicy flavors all in one bite. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining friends. Plus, it’s so fun to customize every element from the heat level to the toppings. I really encourage you to give this one a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Happy cooking, friend!