Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Light and zesty shrimp tacos featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, a crisp cabbage slaw, and a creamy dairy-free avocado and coconut yogurt crema. A fresh, healthy weeknight dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
Make the avocado-lime crema.
In a small bowl or blender, combine the avocado, coconut yogurt, juice of one lime, and 2 tablespoons of cilantro. Mash or blend until smooth. Season with a tiny pinch of salt if desired.
TIPFor an extra smooth crema, use a small food processor or immersion blender.Prepare the cabbage slaw.
In a separate bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with the juice of the remaining lime and the other 2 tablespoons of cilantro. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Season the shrimp.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
TIPDrying the shrimp well is key to getting a good sear instead of steaming them.Cook the shrimp.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
TIPShrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they're done to keep them tender and juicy.Warm the tortillas.
Wipe out the skillet and place it back on medium heat. Warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds per side, until they are soft and pliable.
Assemble the tacos.
On each warm tortilla, layer a small amount of the cabbage slaw, top with a few pieces of cooked shrimp, and finish with a drizzle of the avocado-lime crema. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery. They only need a couple of minutes.
- 2For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the crema.
- 3Warm the corn tortillas directly over a low gas flame for a few seconds per side for a slightly charred flavor.
- 4The crema can be made a few hours ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the shrimp seasoning and a finely minced serrano chili to the cabbage slaw for a spicy kick.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the shrimp to 450g (1 lb) to boost the protein content. This will also increase the calorie count.
quickQuick
Use a pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix to save on prep time.
vegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu, cut into small cubes and seasoned and cooked the same way.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and building, while being low in calories.
Healthy Fats
The avocado in the crema provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Rich in Vitamins
Cabbage, cilantro, and lime are packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants that support the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of shrimp tacos is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, provides lean protein from the shrimp, and uses a dairy-free crema made with healthy fats from avocado. The corn tortillas are also a good source of fiber.