These feel-good shrimp tacos make dinner easy and are packed with delicious flavors. Treat this recipe more as a framework and not a set of rules. Just keep the main components of protein, citrus, and a little crunch, but feel free to play with different textures and heat levels.
What I Love About This Simple, Healthier Shrimp Taco Recipe
Tacos are my favorite during the warmer months. There’s something about wrapping your hands around a soft tortilla, devouring this Mexican street food classic in just a few bites, and, of course, inevitably ending up with sauce all around your mouth.
The idea for this flavor-packed version came after a Saturday visit to the fish markets. I brought home some nice prawns, mixed them with taco seasoning and threw them on the grill. Ten minutes later, I had the ingredients for the tacos on the table on our patio and the kids were making their own dinner.
They had no idea that what they were eating was actually good for them. Shrimp provide a good dose of protein while vegetables provide fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Additionally, avocado also adds monounsaturated fats for good heart health. Since then, I have made this dinner several times.
If you have time, let the shrimp marinate overnight in the seasoning mixture for a deeper flavor. Just be sure to keep them covered in the refrigerator. The sour cream mixture can also be made up to 3 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Key Ingredients for My Healthier Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Olive oil: this type of oil adds a bit of flavor but you can replace the olive oil with vegetable oil or avocado oil, if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- Taco Seasoning: I chose Mingle Mexican Fiesta Taco All Natural Seasoning Blend because it is made with all-natural ingredients and has much less sodium than other seasoning blends.
- Green prawns: these add sweetness and substance. Don’t hesitate to swap for chicken fillets, or firm tofu for vegetarians.
- Mini flour tortillas: these fit perfectly on both large and small hands. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free tacos or iceberg lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
- Light sour cream: this adds creaminess without the heaviness.
- Lime juice: this is essential for adding brightness. Lemon juice would work just as well.
- Red cabbage and carrot: these add crunch and color to the whole dish.
- Red radishes: these bring pepper to the garnish, but you can leave it out or replace it with chopped red onion, if you like.
- Lawyer: in my opinion, a good taco isn’t complete without a creamy avocado.
- Red pepper: This adds a spicy touch, but leave it out if young children enjoy tacos.
- Coriander leaves: This herb naturally complements Mexican dishes, but you can use fresh parsley or chives if cilantro isn’t your thing.
Want more? We have Healthier Mexican-Inspired Meal Ideas in our collection.
Recipe by Amira Georgy, photography by Nigel Lough, styling by Lucy Busutil and Meal Preparation by Kathy Knudsen
