Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp pan-seared with smoky chipotle and zesty lime, served in warm tortillas with a cooling chipotle lime crema for a spicy-sweet balance. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe (gluten free), ready in about 23 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred around edges. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, spread 1 tbsp chipotle lime crema on each tortilla, add a handful of 1 cup shredded green cabbage, and top with 3-4 cooked shrimp. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chipotle chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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