Seared Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp seared with smoky chipotle seasoning, topped with a smooth avocado crema and fresh cabbage slaw in warm tortillas. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 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 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque, with slightly charred edges.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss 2 cups shredded green cabbage with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, seasoning lightly with salt.
  4. Step 4: For the avocado crema, puree 1 ripe avocado with 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a blender or with a fork until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  6. Step 6: To assemble, spread a spoonful of avocado crema on each tortilla, top with seared chipotle shrimp and a handful of cabbage slaw. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Seared Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Seared Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Seared Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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.

What goes well with Seared Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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