Bajastyle Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Q: Is this shrimp taco recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

These tacos *can* be a relatively healthy meal! Shrimp is a good source of protein, and the slaw adds some fiber and vitamins. Be mindful of the amount of sour cream and mayonnaise in the chipotle crema; you could substitute some with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Also, consider portion size and opt for corn tortillas over flour for slightly fewer calories. Remember to check the recipe's nutritional information section for a more detailed breakdown.

Baja Shrimp Taco Recipe Chipotle Crema Dream

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 30, 2025

5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even when it's raining cats and dogs outside? This shrimp taco recipe is your ticket to Baja vibes.

Honestly, the smoky chipotle crema makes these absolutely banging!

Brief Overview

These Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe pay homage to the delicious street food found in Baja California, Mexico. They are easy peasy to make in around 30 minutes.

This recipe yields 4 servings, so 2-3 tacos per person. Ideal for a quick dinner.

Main Benefits

Seafood lovers are gonna love this Best Shrimp Taco Recipe . They’re packed with protein from the shrimp, and the lime juice adds a boost of vitamin C.

These are perfect for Taco Tuesday, Friday night, or honestly any night you need a flavour boost. What makes these so special? It’s that smoky, creamy chipotle sauce.

Let’s Talk About Ingredients

Okay, so here's what you need to make these amazing Homemade Shrimp Tacos . Don’t worry, you probably have half of this already.

What You Will Need For These Tacos

Shrimp. About 450g of big juicy shrimp.
Spices. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Chipotle Crema? Yes Please!

Sour cream. Trust me here.
Mayo. For that extra bit of richness.
Chipotle pepper. The real star.
Lime juice. Gotta have that tang.

Crunchy Slaw and More!

Shredded cabbage.
Fresh cilantro.
Lime juice and olive oil.
Tortillas. Corn or flour, your call.
Lime wedges.
Optional: Avocado and hot sauce. You know, for the vibes.

This combination creates the perfect bite!

Equipment

Pan or skillet
Three medium bowls
Tongs

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this amazing shrimp taco recipe . Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already!

Main Ingredients: The Shrimp Stars

1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen, it's all good. If frozen, thaw those babies out first!
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil. This is for cooking the shrimp .
1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder. Adds a bit of warmth.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cumin. Gives that smoky, earthy flavour.
1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) garlic powder. Because garlic makes everything better.
1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) smoked paprika. Hello, smoky goodness.
Salt and black pepper to taste. Season like you mean it.

When picking your shrimp, look for plump, firm shrimp that smell fresh no funky odours allowed!

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Flavour

The chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika combo is chef's kiss . Honestly, it's my go-to for spicy shrimp tacos .

Want a bit more punch? A pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick.

For flavour enhancers, a squeeze of lime juice over the cooked shrimp brightens everything. No lime? A splash of white wine vinegar works in a pinch, but lime is best .

It makes the best shrimp taco recipe even better!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend.
Small bowl for mixing spices. I use an old cereal bowl!
Medium bowl for chipotle crema. Get that shrimp taco sauce ready.
Medium bowl for slaw. Shrimp taco toppings are key.
Tongs. For wrangling the shrimp .

Don't have a fancy skillet? No worries! Any pan will do for these quick shrimp tacos . Seriously, this easy shrimp taco recipe is foolproof.

Want to up your game? Make these into grilled shrimp tacos recipe . Then, you only need a grill and tongs!

Cooking Shrimp Like a Pro for the Best Shrimp Taco Recipe

Honestly, who doesn't love a good taco? And when it comes to tacos, a shrimp taco recipe is just chef's kiss .

It is so tasty and the flavour combinations are a party in your mouth!. But let's be real, perfectly cooked shrimp can be a tad tricky.

No one wants rubbery, sad shrimp in their tacos! So, I am going to share how to nail it every single time.

This method works wonders for my Homemade Shrimp Tacos , so let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Your Shrimp Taco's Foundation

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your veggies, measure out your spices, and have all your Shrimp Taco Toppings ready.

Having everything at hand will save you time and stress. You know, like when you are halfway through cooking and realise you are out of garlic? Also, remember to devein your shrimp! Nobody wants sandy tacos.

The Shrimp Cooking Process

First, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them to get a nice sear.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil in a pan over medium high heat . You want it nice and hot!
Now, add your seasoned shrimp. Cook them for 2- 3 minutes per side . Visual Cue: they should turn pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Finally, assemble your tacos with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

My Secret Easy Shrimp Taco Recipe Tips

Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp is the enemy.
For a smoky twist, try this method for Grilled Shrimp Tacos . Trust me, you won't regret it.
If you want to get a head start, the shrimp can be cooked 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Honestly, Quick Shrimp Tacos are my go-to for a speedy dinner. And with this cooking method, your Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe will be a guaranteed hit.

Try adding a Shrimp Taco Sauce like a Chipotle Shrimp Tacos crema. It will be a game changer! Give it a go, and let me know how yours turn out! I am sure you will be making the Best Shrimp Taco Recipe soon enough!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Shrimp Taco Recipe Yet

Right then, let’s talk about the nitty gritty bits. These are the little tips and tricks that will turn your homemade shrimp tacos from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, these are amazing !".

Honestly, it's all about the details.

Serving Suggestions: Taco Tuesday Goals

Okay, first things first, presentation! Plating is key, isn't it? Pile those quick shrimp tacos high on a colourful platter.

A sprinkle of extra cilantro adds a nice touch. For sides, think classic Mexican rice and refried beans. Wanna be a bit extra? Try a mango salsa.

And of course, you gotta have a cold beer or a margarita to wash it all down. Salud!

Storage Tips: Keep Those Tacos Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! The shrimp on its own will keep in the fridge for up to three days . Just pop it in an airtight container.

The slaw and shrimp taco sauce (that chipotle crema, yum!) should also be stored separately. Freezing isn't really recommended for the shrimp it can get a bit rubbery.

Reheating is best done in a skillet over medium heat. Just don't overcook it!

Variations: Tailor Your Tacos

Fancy switching things up? Of course, you do! For a gluten-free option, just use corn tortillas. For a lighter version, swap the sour cream in the chipotle crema for Greek yogurt.

Honestly, no one will notice the difference. If you're feeling seasonal, try adding grilled corn kernels to the slaw in the summer or some shredded Brussels sprouts in the winter.

Get creative! And, If you're looking for the best shrimp taco recipe , consider using grilled shrimp taco recipe for a smoky flavor! You can also add extra kick with some spicy shrimp tacos !

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's be real, these tacos are delicious and pretty good for you. Each serving clocks in at roughly 450-550 calories.

You get a good dose of protein from the shrimp, plus healthy fats from the avocado (if you add it, which you totally should!).

The slaw adds some much needed fiber. And, the lime juice is packed with vitamin C. It’s a fiesta for your tastebuds and your body!

So there you have it! All the secrets to making the perfect Baja shrimp tacos recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment with different shrimp taco toppings and make it your own.

I bet you will easily make an easy shrimp taco recipe for everyone. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp taco recipe, or does it have to be fresh?

Absolutely, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. For the best results, thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures it cooks evenly and doesn't become rubbery, which nobody wants in their tacos it's like a soggy bottom on the Great British Baking Show; a total no-no!

How can I make the chipotle crema less spicy for my kids (or my delicate palate)?

No worries, dialling down the heat is easy! Start by using only a tiny bit of the chipotle pepper, or even just the adobo sauce. You can also remove the seeds from the pepper, as they hold a lot of the spice. Remember, you can always add more spice later if needed, but you can't take it away!

What's the best way to warm tortillas for these shrimp tacos? I always end up with them tearing or drying out.

Ah, the tortilla dilemma! There are a few great options. For a skillet, heat a dry pan over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 15-30 seconds per side until pliable. You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30-60 seconds.

A stack of warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel will stay warm and soft for serving - a bit like keeping scones warm for afternoon tea!

Can I make the chipotle crema and slaw ahead of time? How long will they last?

Definitely! Both the chipotle crema and the slaw can be prepped in advance. The chipotle crema will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the slaw is best within 1-2 days before it gets too soggy.

This makes this shrimp taco recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner; get the prep done on your day off and you're golden.

Is this shrimp taco recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

These tacos can be a relatively healthy meal! Shrimp is a good source of protein, and the slaw adds some fiber and vitamins. Be mindful of the amount of sour cream and mayonnaise in the chipotle crema; you could substitute some with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Also, consider portion size and opt for corn tortillas over flour for slightly fewer calories. Remember to check the recipe's nutritional information section for a more detailed breakdown.

What are some fun variations I can try with this shrimp taco recipe? I'm looking to spice things up!

Let's get creative! Try grilling the shrimp for a smoky flavor. Swap the cabbage slaw for a spicy mango salsa for a sweet and spicy kick. You can also add grilled corn, black beans, or avocado slices for extra texture and flavour.

Remember, cooking should be fun so don't be afraid to experiment with the flavours you enjoy most!