Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: Smoky, spicy shrimp with a refreshing tangy sauce.
Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes or less!
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Chipotle Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika for a milder flavor)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime

For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (or 1 teaspoon chipotle powder)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sliced avocado (optional)
Shredded cabbage or lettuce
Sliced red onion
Lime wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture. Let it marinate for about 5-10 minutes (while you prepare the sauce and toppings).

2. Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle in adobo sauce (or chipotle powder), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

4. Warm the Tortillas:

While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

5. Assemble the Tacos:

To assemble, place a warm tortilla on each plate. Top with a few shrimp, then add shredded cabbage or lettuce, a few slices of red onion, and a drizzle of the creamy chipotle sauce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices (if using), and a squeeze of lime.

6. Serve:

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and enjoy your flavorful Chipotle Shrimp Tacos!

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4 (2 tacos per person)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy fried cauliflower for a vegetarian taco.
Spicy: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or extra chipotle sauce for more heat.
Crunchy Tacos: For extra crunch, use crispy taco shells instead of soft tortillas.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Store the sauce separately.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. You can also warm the tortillas again in a dry skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

The shrimp is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and toppings in advance. If making for a crowd, you could also cook the shrimp in batches and assemble the tacos as needed.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, these tacos would also be delicious with grilled fish, chicken, or even beef. Just adjust the seasoning to complement the protein you choose.

Can I make the creamy chipotle sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can add more chipotle in adobo sauce or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

These Chipotle Shrimp Tacos are full of bold flavors, with smoky, spicy shrimp paired with a creamy, tangy sauce. The fresh toppings add a perfect crunch, and the soft tortillas hold it all together in every bite. Whether for a casual dinner or taco night with friends, these shrimp tacos are sure to impress!

Chipotle Shrimp Tacos Recipe