If you’ve ever dreamt of a meal that tastes like sunshine, Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) are it! Imagine sweet, plump prawns nestled in warm tortillas, bursting with zesty spice and creamy, citrusy sauce, all finished with vibrant toppings like shredded cabbage, juicy mango, and a shower of fresh cilantro. These tacos check every box for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner—fresh, colorful, and packed with exciting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a weeknight crowd or making lunch feel extra special, you’ll fall for this recipe bite after bite.

Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What really makes these Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) unforgettable is how each ingredient adds a punch of flavor or a pop of color. The best part is you don’t need anything fussy—just the right mix of fresh, simple staples, coming together for a result that’s almost too good to share.

Prawns (or shrimp): Plump, peeled, and deveined—these cook in minutes and provide the sweet, briny base for the whole dish.
Olive oil: Just a splash helps the spices cling to the prawns and encourages a gorgeous, golden sear in the pan.
Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and deep, earthy flavor—the essential backbone of your taco seasoning.
Smoked paprika: For that irresistible hint of smokiness, which gives even more depth to the prawns.
Cumin: Lends a subtle warmth and nutty undertone.
Garlic powder: Classic savory kick, disperses evenly for big flavor in every bite.
Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance all those bold spices.
Corn or flour tortillas: Choose your favorite—corn for a gluten-free option, flour for extra tenderness.
Shredded red cabbage: Crisp and colorful, it adds welcomed crunch and freshness.
Diced mango or pineapple (optional): For a touch of tropical sweetness that makes the flavors sing!
Chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses your tacos with herbaceous brightness.
Thinly sliced red onion: Just a little sharpness and crunch to balance everything out.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime pulls all the flavors together right before eating.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: The creamy base of your lime crema, rich and cooling.
Lime zest and juice: Nothing beats that bright, zippy citrus pop in the crema!
Mayonnaise (optional): Adds silkiness and extra tang to your sauce.
Salt (for crema): A pinch rounds out the citrusy crema perfectly.

How to Make Prawn Tacos (Shrimp)

Step 1: Toss and Season the Prawns

Start by placing your prawns in a bowl and tossing them with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, plus a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure every prawn is evenly coated—this quick marinade infuses them with smoky, warm flavor in just minutes, no waiting required.

Step 2: Sear the Prawns

Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it’s good and hot. Lay the prawns in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re pink, opaque, and lightly charred at the edges. Watch closely—they cook super fast! Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Up the Lime Crema

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise (if using), lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust—if you like it extra citrusy, add a bit more juice. The crema should be smooth, bright, and just a little tangy.

Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas

Warm your tortillas either in a dry hot pan for 10–15 seconds per side or by wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for about 20 seconds. Warm tortillas make every taco taste restaurant-worthy, trust me!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

To build your Prawn Tacos (Shrimp), layer each tortilla with a little shredded red cabbage, a few sizzling prawns, and any mango or pineapple you’d like. Scatter over the red onion and cilantro, then drizzle generously with lime crema. Serve right away with lime wedges for that all-important squeeze at the end.

How to Serve Prawn Tacos (Shrimp)

Garnishes

Go wild with toppings! A sprinkle of extra cilantro, more chopped mango, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even a few slices of creamy avocado take these Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) over the top. Don’t forget a generous shower of lime zest for extra brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with something equally refreshing but simple—think a crisp cucumber salad, black beans, or some grilled street corn (elote). Even a big bowl of tortilla chips and salsa will never go amiss on taco night!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings in cute little bowls and let everyone build their own perfect Prawn Tacos (Shrimp). For parties, make mini tacos using smaller tortillas, or serve them on a big platter lined with parchment and lots of colorful garnishes for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) filling left, store the cooked prawns and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep tortillas wrapped to stay soft, and the lime crema in its own jar for easy drizzling later.

Freezing

Prawns freeze surprisingly well! For best results, freeze the cooked prawns (without toppings or tortillas) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use. Skip freezing the crema and fresh veg—they taste best made fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through—don’t overcook or they’ll go rubbery. Warm your tortillas as you did before, and refresh any garnishes just before serving for the crunchiest, tastiest tacos.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns or shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. Extra moisture can prevent that nice sear in the pan.

Can I grill instead of pan-frying for smokier flavor?

Yes, grilling the prawns for your Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) is a fantastic option, especially in summer. Skewer the prawns and grill over medium-high heat 2–3 minutes per side, then proceed as usual for extra smoky flavor.

How spicy are these tacos?

They’re pretty mild, thanks to the balance of chili powder and lime crema, but you can always add jalapeños, more chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat!

Are corn or flour tortillas better?

It’s a matter of taste. Corn tortillas keep things gluten-free and traditional, while flour tortillas are softer and a bit sturdier. Both pair beautifully with Prawn Tacos (Shrimp), so go with what you love.

What other toppings work well here?

Feel free to mix it up—pickled onions, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, or even a spicy slaw are all delicious on Prawn Tacos (Shrimp). Make them your own!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a vibrant plate of Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) bursting with flavor, color, and personality. Whether you’re a longtime seafood lover or new to taco night, this recipe brings the fun and delivers serious payoff with minimal effort. Try it out tonight and let your dinner table become a fiesta!

Prawn Tacos (Shrimp) Recipe