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Blackened shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sauce
Emily Hart

Blackened shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sauce – 2025 Recipe

These blackened shrimp tacos are bursting with bold spices, juicy shrimp, and topped with a creamy cilantro lime sauce. A fast and flavor-packed meal perfect for taco night or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings (2 tacos)
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Blackened Shrimp:
  • 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional ¼ jalapeño for spice
For Serving:
  •  
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • Pickled red onions
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Crumbled queso fresco
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Prepare the shrimp:In a large bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil and all spices for the blackening rub. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated.
  2. Cook the shrimp:Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they curl and blacken slightly. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  3. Make the cilantro lime sauce:In a blender or food processor, blend sour cream, mayo, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
  4. Warm tortillas:Toast tortillas on a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.
  5. Assemble tacos:Fill each tortilla with a few shrimp, top with slaw, avocado, pickled onions, and queso fresco. Drizzle generously with cilantro lime sauce. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tacosCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 23gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 640mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing.
Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist.
Gluten-free? Use certified GF corn tortillas.

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