Name: Baja Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: For the Shrimp:; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (thawed and patted dry); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Chipotle Crema:; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Slaw:; 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Tacos:; 6 corn tortillas; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese; Lime wedges, for garnish

Baja Shrimp Tacos

Dreaming of a summer escape? Look no further than these Baja Shrimp Tacos! Packed with fresh ingredients and smoky chipotle crema, they transport your taste buds straight to the coast.

The marinade combines chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a warm, earthy base. A squeeze of lime adds brightness, while chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a touch of smoky heat.

This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. No chipotle peppers?Substitute diced tomatoes with green chilies for a similar flavor. Craving crunch? Dredge the shrimp in flour and panko breadcrumbs before cooking.

These tacos are a flavor fiesta waiting to happen. Swap the shrimp for grilled fish or chicken for a protein twist. Explore different slaws using colorful vegetables like red cabbage or jicama.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the Baja vibe. Whip up a batch of these shrimp tacos and let the taste of summer take hold!

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but thawing and deveining fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture.

Is there a substitute for shrimp?
Absolutely! Grilled fish (cod, mahi-mahi) or chicken would work well.

How can I tell if the shrimp are cooked through?
Look for them to turn pink and opaque throughout.

Is there a substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo?
Yes, try diced tomatoes with green chilies for a similar flavor, or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Can I make the chipotle crema spicier?
Absolutely! Add a few extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

What are some good sides to serve with these tacos?
Spanish rice, black beans, or a simple green salad would all be great accompaniments.

What you need to make Baja Shrimp Tacos:

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (thawed and patted dry)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chipotle Crema:

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Slaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Tacos:

6 corn tortillas

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Lime wedges, for garnish

How to make it:

Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.

Make the Chipotle Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.

Prepare the Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and salt. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.

Warm the Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the tortillas one at a time and cook for about 30 seconds per side, or until slightly warmed and softened. Wrap the tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.

Assemble the Tacos: Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Top with slaw, shrimp, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Drizzle with chipotle crema and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Tips:

For a spicier taco, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade.

If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, you can use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies instead.

For a crispy shrimp option, you can dredge the shrimp in flour and then coat them in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.

These tacos are also delicious with grilled fish or chicken instead of shrimp.

Latest Reviews:

These shrimp tacos were a hit! The chipotle crema added the perfect amount of smoky flavor, and the slaw was light and refreshing. We loved the customizability – added some diced red pepper for extra color in the slaw. Definitely a keeper! Dena S.

Weeknight win! This recipe was so easy to follow and came together in under 30 minutes. The shrimp marinade was delicious, and the chipotle crema was addictive. We’ll be making these tacos again soon! Sarah H.

Fresh and flavorful! These Baja shrimp tacos were bursting with taste. Loved the combination of spices in the marinade and the cool crunch of the slaw. A great summer recipe that the whole family enjoyed. Tom F.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 6 tacos