How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos
Mexican-American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
Juicy garlic butter shrimp piled into warm tortillas with a cool and creamy slaw creates a perfect taco night meal. These tacos come together in under 30 minutes for a fast and flavorful dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1 whole lime, juiced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the slaw
In a medium bowl, toss shredded cabbage with sour cream and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the slaw while you prepare the shrimp so the flavors can meld together.
Step 2: Season the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dry shrimp will sear much better than wet shrimp and develop a better crust.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Step 4: Warm the tortillas
While the shrimp rest, warm the tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until slightly charred and pliable. Keep them wrapped in a towel to stay warm.
Step 5: Assemble the tacos
Place 3 to 4 shrimp on each warm tortilla. Top generously with the creamy cabbage slaw and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- shrimp → fish fillets like tilapia or cod cut into strips
- sour cream → Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier slaw
- flour tortillas → corn tortillas for a gluten-free option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they become rubbery and tough very quickly
- Do not skip patting the shrimp dry or they will steam rather than sear in the pan
- Do not assemble the tacos too far ahead as the tortillas will become soggy from the slaw
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 28g protein, 32g carbs, 16g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →