15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
This 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can whip up these delicious tacos in just 15 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick dinner or a fun taco night with friends. The combination of spicy, juicy shrimp and fresh slaw wrapped in warm corn tortillas offers a delightful taste and texture that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Options: Customize your tacos with toppings like guacamole or extra cilantro for added flair.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the shrimp and fiber from the slaw, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes used, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after cooking.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are the essential tools you’ll need to prepare this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cast iron skillet (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Ensures that the shrimp cook evenly without sticking, making flipping easy.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients efficiently before cooking, saving time.
- Spatula: Helps in flipping the shrimp without breaking them apart, ensuring they stay intact.
Ingredients
This 15 Minute 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)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Pinch cayenne
For Assembly
- 9 corn tortillas
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Easy guacamole (optional)
How to Make 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium bowl, add shrimp, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly with all the spices. Set aside to marinate briefly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In another small bowl, combine yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. Reserve some for drizzling later on top of your tacos.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat your non-stick skillet over high heat. Add avocado oil and then place the marinated shrimp into the skillet. Cook until they turn pink on one side. Flip them over and cook until no longer gray. If you want a charred effect, press down gently on the shrimp with a spatula while cooking or grill them on high heat using a silicone grill mat.
Step 4: Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, add coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, salt, and nearly all of your sauce—leave some aside for drizzling on top later. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
To warm your tortillas, use a cast iron skillet over high heat for about 10 seconds per side while pressing down lightly with a spatula.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Fill each tortilla with 3-4 pieces of cooked shrimp followed by some slaw mixture. Drizzle with reserved sauce before serving immediately. Enjoy your flavorful 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe!
How to Serve 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
These 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos are perfect for any occasion. They not only deliver a burst of flavor but can also be paired with various sides and toppings to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Ingredients
- Lime wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an extra zing.
- Sliced jalapeños – Add a spicy kick with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
- Chopped tomatoes – Diced tomatoes add freshness and color to each bite.
With Creamy Additions
- Easy guacamole – A smooth avocado blend complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Sour cream or yogurt – A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt provides creaminess.
- Cheese – Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese can enrich the taco experience.
With Crunchy Elements
- Extra slaw – Top your tacos with additional coleslaw for added crunch.
- Tortilla chips – Serve alongside for a delightful crunch and texture contrast.

How to Perfect 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
To make your shrimp tacos even better, consider these quick tips that will enhance flavors and textures.
- seasoning – Ensure you season the shrimp well to highlight their natural sweetness.
- High heat cooking – Cooking shrimp on high heat allows for a nice char while keeping them tender.
- Warm tortillas – Warm corn tortillas before filling them; this enhances their flavor and makes them easier to fold.
- Fresh ingredients – Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best taste in your slaw and sauce.
Best Side Dishes for 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your shrimp tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice infused with spices complements the tacos well.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add richness and protein to your plate.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet, grilled corn brings a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa serve as a great appetizer.
- Cucumber Salad – A light, refreshing salad balances the spices in the tacos nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
- Not seasoning the shrimp: Skipping the seasoning can lead to bland shrimp. Always season well with taco seasoning and garlic powder for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Keep an eye on them; they only need a few minutes until they’re pink and opaque.
- Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Warm them properly in a skillet for that perfect texture and taste.
- Ignoring the sauce: The sauce adds a delightful kick. Don’t skip it! Mix it well and drizzle generously over your tacos.
- Skipping fresh toppings: Fresh cilantro or avocado can elevate your tacos. Always include fresh ingredients for added flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separate to maintain texture.
Freezing 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- If freezing, store cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Slaw can be stored separately but is best fresh.
Reheating 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap tacos in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 30 seconds, checking often.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.
How do I customize my shrimp tacos?
Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cheese for extra flavor!
What sides go well with this recipe?
Serve these tacos with rice, beans, or a fresh salad as delicious side dishes.
Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe is low in calories and high in protein while being packed with fresh veggies.
Final Thoughts
The 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor and versatility. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos can be customized easily to suit your tastes. Try different toppings or sauces to make them your own!

15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Discover the ultimate 15 Minute Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe, a quick and delicious dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, these flavorful tacos feature spicy, juicy shrimp enveloped in warm corn tortillas and topped with a fresh slaw that everyone will love. Customize your tacos with toppings like guacamole or cilantro to elevate this simple dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a family meal, these tacos are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 ounces coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 9 corn tortillas
- Juice of 1 lime
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate shrimp by combining with taco seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
- In another bowl, mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, taco seasoning, and cayenne until smooth; save some for topping.
- Heat avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat; cook marinated shrimp until pink on both sides.
- In a large bowl, mix coleslaw with chopped cilantro and most of the sauce.
- Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet; assemble by adding shrimp and slaw to each tortilla and drizzling with reserved sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 190mg