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Easy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
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4.84 from 6 votes

Shrimp Tacos Recipe (Creamy Jalapeno Sauce and Crunchy Slaw)

This is my favorite shrimp tacos recipe with spiced shrimp served on warmed tortillas, topped with crunchy slaw and spicy, creamy jalapeno sauce. So easy to make!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: jalapeno, shrimp, spicy, tacos
Servings: 8 tacos
Calories: 199kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE SLAW

  • 1/2 head small green cabbage shredded
  • 1 fresh Fresno pepper chopped (or use a jalapeno)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice from 1 large lime
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar use white vinegar as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Sea salt to taste

FOR THE CREAMY JALAPENO SAUCE

  • 4 fresh jalapeno peppers
  • 1/2 small onion roughly chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup Neutral oil use corn oil, avocado oil, or a neutral vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

FOR THE SHRIMP TACOS

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 flour tortillas warmed (or use corn tortillas)
  • EXTRA TOPPINGS: Sliced roasted jalapeno peppers or chiles toreados, chopped avocado, fresh squeezed lime, your favorite hot sauce

Instructions

MAKE THE SLAW

  • Toss together the shredded cabbage, chopped peppers, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

MAKE THE CREAMY JALAPENO SAUCE

  • Slice the stems from the jalapeno peppers and add them to a medium sized pot along with the onion.
  • Cover with water and bring to a quick boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the jalapeno peppers soften up. They will turn dull green and you can pierce them with a fork easily, but do not let them become mushy. Strain but keep the liquid on hand.
  • Add the boiled jalapenos and onion to a food processor along with the garlic, oil and salt. Process until very smooth and creamy, about 4-5 minutes.
  • If you’d like a thinner sauce, add in a few tablespoons of the reserved boiling water.
  • Taste and adjust for salt.

MAKE THE SHRIMP TACOS

  • Pat the shrimp dry and toss them in a bowl with all of the seasonings to coat.
  • Heat the oil in a pan to medium heat and add the shrimp. Cook gently for 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through. Remove from heat.
  • Serve the pieces of shrimp onto warmed tortillas, then top with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy jalapeno sauce. Don't forget the hot sauce!

Video

Notes

Nutritional information not estimated for additional toppings.
Store any extra slaw and creamy jalapeno sauce in the fridge in sealed containers for future use.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 393IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg