Shrimp Tacos are an incredibly easy and quick weeknight meal to throw together but with a flavor that tastes like takeout. Take this simple dish to the next level by pairing it with any of these 30 side dishes!
Shrimp Tacos are one of my favorite meals to cook for a quick weeknight dinner on a Taco Tuesday. In less than 30 minutes you can cook up some flavorful shrimp, toss it in a warm tortilla and cover it with your favorite sauces or toppings. It’s truly a dish anyone can love!
But Shrimp Tacos are also great for a taco night when you have a bit more time to cook or when you are entertaining guests. Those are the nights when you can take this simple dish and dress it up with a dinner table full of delicious sides.
Shrimp Tacos are an amazing choice for entertaining. Not only can your guests customize their tacos to fit their preferences but there is also a wide variety of Mexican cuisine that perfectly compliment the meal.
Keep reading for a list of my favorite sides to serve with the best Shrimp Tacos.
FAQs
Before you can cook up some amazing Shrimp Tacos, you first need shrimp! Picking out shrimp doesn’t have to be complicated.
You can usually easily find shrimp in the frozen food section and, honestly, frozen shrimp may be more fresh than the fresh shrimp. That’s because frozen shrimp are frozen and sealed very soon after being caught, while the shrimp sold fresh may have had quite a journey to get to the store.
I love to keep a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer, just in case I need a quick meal! Place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw or run them under cool running water.
If you do decide to go with fresh, you need to decide which size you want. Any size will work for tacos but you may have to adjust your cooking time for larger shrimp.
I usually like to use medium shrimp. This way I can fit a bunch into my pan at one time without overcrowding.
Most of the time you have the option to purchase shrimp already deveined and peeled, and I would recommend going this route to save time. But if you need to peel and devein your shrimp, the process is easy.
Hold your shrimp in one hand and firmly grab the shell with the other. Gently twist until the meat comes loose from the shell. You can also use a paring knife to gently separate the flesh from the shell.
Use a knife to cut out the black vein along the top of the flesh.
Shrimp Tacos can be stored and eaten again the next day but I don’t recommend storing these tacos for several days.
To store, save each ingredient separately. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and place cooked shrimp in an airtight container. Place all your toppings in their own containers.
To enjoy your leftovers, heat up the tortillas in the microwave or in the oven. Shrimp can be microwaved or heated up in a pan on the stove for a minute or two. Be careful not to overcook your shrimp when you are trying to reheat it.
You can season your shrimp with a wide variety of spices. I recommend starting with a base of chili powder, garlic and cumin and building off those flavors. You might prefer to add some fresh cilantro or green onions.
Plenty of fresh lime juice will give your tacos a delicious fresh flavor. You could also add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some additional heat and serrano peppers for a flavor explosion.
The type of tortillas you use is up to your personal preference. Many people like the soft texture and the durability of flour tortillas but corn tortillas are the more traditional choice.
You may notice many restaurants serve tacos on two flour tortillas. This is because flour tortillas break easily and doubling up makes them sturdier. Another explanation is when you eat your taco and the filling falls out you can let the second tortilla catch it and enjoy a second taco!
If you were to order tacos in Mexico many restaurants will bring out a tray of toppings to add to your tacos. The toppings may include fresh cilantro, cucumbers, pickled radish, cabbage, onions and a variety of different red and green salsas.
Most tacos in Mexico are not served with any fresh tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream or cheese but this may vary from one region or one restaurant to the next.
The number of tacos a person will eat in one sitting is totally up to the individual and the size of the tacos. In general you should plan for at least two tacos per person but if the tacos are smaller, like street tacos, your guests may want at least three.
Favorite Recipes
- These Tacos de Camaron are so simple to make and burst with Baja flavor!
- The garlic cilantro lime slaw on these tacos from Pinch of Yum takes the dish over the top!
- Just when you thought Shrimp Tacos couldn’t get any easier, you find this easy Shrimp Tacos recipe for 10-minute air fryer Shrimp Tacos. Yum!
Expert Tips
- Shrimp Tacos cook surprisingly fast. If you are making some for a crowd, prepare your toppings before you cook the shrimp so everything can be ready at the same time.
- Frozen shrimp are easy to buy and easy to prepare. Don’t feel guilty about using frozen-over fresh!
- Some so many delicious salsas and sauces go perfectly with shrimp, especially those that contain sweet fruits like pineapple or mango. Experiment with several to find your favorite!
- Warm tortillas will be more flexible and hold onto more of your taco filling. Don’t forget this step!
What Can You Serve With Tacos de Camaron?
Toppings: red or green salsa, pico de gallo, red onion, guacamole, jalapenos, sour cream or queso fresco, Tabasco sauce, hot sauce, cabbage slaw, Mexican coleslaw, red onions, fresh tomatoes, fresh pineapple salsa, creamy slaw, fresh mango salsa, avocado salsa, cotija cheese
Sides: black beans, tortilla chips, cilantro lime rice, refried beans, spanish rice, tortilla soup, Mexican street corn salad, chiles rellenos, roasted corn, Mexican quinoa salad, white rice, jicama slaw, Mexican rice
Recipes to Serve with Shrimp Tacos
Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Homemade Pico de Gallo
Elote Loco
Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
Quinoa Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
Instant Pot Coconut Rice
This perfect, fluffy instant pot coconut rice is the easiest way to switch things up from your usual rice. It has the best mild coconut flavor, uses simple ingredients, and cooks quickly in an instant pot.
Easy Queso Dip Recipe
You only need a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make this foolproof homemade queso dip recipe. Below, I give you tips and queso topping suggestions.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe (also known as Esquites) is packed with fresh flavors and cotija cheese! This is the perfect side dish that turns the classic Mexican street food into a delicious and easy to make salad!
Instant Pot Charro Beans
These Instant Pot Charro Beans are the best side for so many types of main dishes! The smokey, somewhat spicy, chili-like flavor makes for a true comfort food that’s easy to make and fairly hands-off for most of the cooking time.
Grilled Shishito Peppers
These Grilled Shishito Peppers come together in just 15 minutes with 4 simple ingredients and serve as a delicious appetizer or side dish!
Bang Bang Sauce
This homemade bang bang sauce is mildly sweet, slightly spicy, and will take your shrimp, wings, and tacos from good to GREAT! Using only 5 ingredients, you probably have everything you need to make a batch right now.
Mexican Potatoes
These tasty little oven-baked Mexican potatoes are twice cooked, then tossed in a spicy flour and cornstarch coating to make each bite perfectly crispy.
Aji Verde Sauce
Creamy, herby with just a bit of heat, this aji verde is bursting with fresh, lively flavor.
Chili Lime Rice Recipe with Jalapeno
The ever popular cilantro lime doesn’t quite get made the same in our house. We make this version of Jalapeno Lime Rice in this house. It takes your cilantro lime rice up a notch with a touch of heat. I prefer this over any other cilantro lime rice.
Green Rice (Arroz Verde)
Green rice is a traditional Mexican side dish seasoned with fresh herbs and mild poblano peppers, giving it a distinctive flavor and beautiful green hue. This Mexican green rice recipe (Arroz Verde) pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats and seafood.
Coconut Milk Rice with Red Beans
Ultimate Restaurant Style Salsa
If you love Restaurant Style Salsa, also known as Salsa Roja, you will love this homemade salsa recipe! With this easy blender salsa recipe, you can enjoy the bold and authentic flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant salsa at home in just 20 minutes!
Chipotle Coleslaw
Traditional Coleslaw gets a makeover with a terrific smoky spicy homemade Coleslaw dressing! Chipotle Coleslaw is a great sandwich topper and BBQ side dish – a summer staple for picnics, parties and barbecues.
Mexican Corn Pasta Salad with Tomatoes
This Creamy Mexican Pasta Salad with Corn and Sun Dried Tomato Dressing is a comforting, creamy, and smoky dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture! First, you get creaminess and depth, as well as smokiness and a hint of sweetness from the sun-dried tomato dressing. Then you get freshness from the tomatoes and a burst of sweetness from the corn. Finally a bite from the scallion and cilantro. It’s the perfect comfort side dish or add beef, chicken, or shrimp and call it a meal!
Skillet Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread the perfect snack for the big game! Or to dip in your chili. Or to snack on while watching Netflix. Or whenever you want, actually. This cheesy cornbread is super delicious and satisfying. It comes together quickly and makes for easy snacking.
Nourishing Fiesta Salad Recipe
This fiesta salad recipe is filled with just a few simple ingredients, is easy to toss together, and is so flavorful! A delicious bottled dressing gives it an unexpected kick and makes for quick & easy prep. Add shredded chicken or sauteed ground beef if you want a high-protein, main dish salad.
Cilantro Lime Sauce
Make this cilantro lime sauce recipe easily and with just a few ingredients. It is the perfect complement to shrimp tacos or when used as a delicious dressing on your favorite leafy salad!
Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
You can make your own crunchy homemade tortilla chips that are crispy just like the deep-fried version, but make them completely in the oven. It’s easy to make crispy tortilla chips just like the ones at your favorite Mexican restaurants.
Pickled Red Onion
Upgrade taste and flavor of your tacos, burgers, salads, and toast with easy to make refrigerator pickled red onion. Add a few slices of pickled red onion for bright, tangy, zippy flavor to any sort of Mexican dish.
Watermelon Mojito Salad
With the sweetness of watermelon, tangy feta, mint, and lime, this watermelon mojito salad is a fresh summer salad perfect for a picnic, potluck, BBQ, or easy dinner at home!
Healthy Homemade Coleslaw Salad
This homemade coleslaw salad recipe is easy to make and made with a healthy creamy dressing that’s made with yogurt instead of mayonnaise. A Fresh and refreshing healthy salad that is perfect for every occasion and better than store-bought. Ready in just 20 minutes.
Mexican Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing
Delicious vegan Mexican chopped salad with avocado dressing makes the perfect lunch salad or an easy side dish to any Mexican feast. This gluten-free salad is packed with fresh veggies, dietary fiber, and plant-based protein.
Purple Cabbage Slaw (no mayo!)
This purple cabbage slaw is crunchy and super delightful. And the citrusy peanut butter dressing is so incredibly good that you’ll want to put it in all your salads – no kidding. Forget the mayo-laced coleslaw. You’ll not miss it one bit.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
These Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are incredibly easy and delicious – they are warm, crunchy, and taste just like restaurant-style tortilla chips, but without all the fuss and excess oil.
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