These Asian Shrimp Tacos are filled with perfectly seasoned shrimp and crisp Asian slaw served in soft, warm tortillas. They're topped with a drizzle of Yum Yum Sauce that takes these tacos to next-level deliciousness.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Shrimp Tacos Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Asian Shrimp Tacos
• 🔪 How to Make Shrimp Tacos
• 💡 Tips for Making Shrimp Tacos
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Easy Asian Shrimp Tacos
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What Can I Use Instead If I Have a Shellfish Allergy?
• Are These Spicy Shrimp Tacos?
• Are Shrimp Tacos Better with Corn or Flour Tortillas?
• What's the Best Way to Warm Tortillas?
• 🍽️ More Seafood Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Shrimp Tacos Recipe

• Perfectly seasoned sautéed shrimp
• Crispy Asian slaw
• Served in soft tortillas
• Drizzled with Yum Yum Sauce
• Classic Asian flavors
• Keto friendly

Tacos may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Asian cuisine, but these Asian shrimp tacos are about to change that. They are filled with classic Asian flavors, from the shrimp to the slaw, and even the sauce. They're the perfect way to give Taco Tuesday a healthy Asian twist.

Marinated in a delectable sweet chili sauce-infused mixture, tender and juicy shrimp take center stage in this recipe, The savory flavor of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the crisp homemade Asian Cabbage Slaw. A drizzle of Yum Yum Sauce adds just the right amount of creamy richness, with a burst of flavor with every bite.

If you love these Asian-inspired tacos, you should also try another popular Asian favorite, Bang Bang Shrimp. This recipe gives them a low-carb twist with all the same wonderful flavors.

🛒 Ingredients for Asian Shrimp Tacos

• Shrimp
• Asian Cabbage Slaw
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Sugar-free Sweet Chili Sauce
• Liquid aminos
• Smoked paprika
• Avocado oil
• Low carb tortillas

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Skillet

🔪 How to Make Shrimp Tacos

Peel, devein, and remove the tails from your shrimp, then place them in a mixing bowl.

Add in the smoked paprika, chili sauce, and liquid aminos over the shrimp.

Mix until well combined, then let it marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.

While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the Asian Cabbage Slaw and allow it to sit at room temperature, while you make the Yum Yum Sauce.

Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce and set it and the slaw aside to allow the flavors to meld while you make the shrimp.

Once the shrimp have marinated, heat a large skillet to medium high and add in the avocado oil.

Sauté the shrimp for a few minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through.

Heat up your tortillas in a skillet, then cover them to keep them warm while you assemble the tacos.

Take some of the Asian Cabbage Slaw and spoon it into each tortilla, then add the shrimp and top with a drizzle of the Yum Yum Sauce. 

Sprinkle some (optional) sesame seeds, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and more chopped cilantro. Serve and enjoy.

💡 Tips for Making Shrimp Tacos

• When shrimp are raw, the flesh should have either a translucent pink or grayish color. Once cooked, the protein in the shrimp turns an opaque white/pink color. This is how you know they are done.

• Keep in mind that shrimp cook quickly, taking just a few minutes per side. It’s best to keep your eyes on them and not walk away.

• A lot of people think fresh, never frozen, is best. While that may be true if you live on a coastline with fresh daily catch, that doesn’t mean frozen isn’t a good thing. The key to quality frozen shrimp is that the ingredients on the package should have only two ingredients: shrimp and water."

• Make life easier and shop for "easy peel" shrimp. These shrimp have shells that are split down the back, making it super-fast to peel them. But hang on to those shells because they have so much flavor! Freeze them and make seafood stock with them another day.

• Remember that the safest way to defrost shrimp is in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can defrost frozen shrimp under cold running water until thawed. Never thaw out shrimp by allowing them to sit out at room temperature.   

Also be sure to try this Vegan Thai Red curry or this teriyaki tempeh that is absolutely loaded with great flavor and made with crispy tofu!

☑️ Storage Instructions

Once you've added everything to the tortillas, you'll need to serve them immediately. If you have leftover shrimp, they'll stay fresh in the fridge for a couple of days.

You can store the slaw in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge. Yum Yum sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for over a week.

🍴 What to Serve with Easy Asian Shrimp Tacos

With the slaw, these tacos are a complete all-in-one. But if you're looking for a tasty side, you could serve them with a scoop of jasmine rice, some edamame, this Creamy Cucumber Salad, or this Thai Cucumber Salad.

Chips with Mango Salsa is another wonderful side dish that pairs well with almost any type of seafood recipe.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

Spicy shrimp tacos: You can add a kick of heat to these tacos by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Avocado: Thin slices of avocado can add extra creaminess to your tacos.

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle a little chopped cilantro, mint, or Thai basil over the tops of the tacos for a fresh herb flavor.

Crushed peanuts or cashews: The slaw has almonds, but you can add extra crunch with chopped, peanuts or cashews.

Pickled veggies: Add a tangy kick with pickled carrots, daikon radish, or other pickled vegetables, like these Pickled Pink Onions.

Grilled shrimp: Instead of marinating and pan-cooking, consider grilling the shrimp for a smokier flavor.

Lettuce wraps: Skip the tortillas and serve the shrimp and slaw in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Tortillas: Instead of store-bought, low-carb tortillas, you can make Homemade Tortillas with just a few easy steps.

If you're not following a low carb or gluten-free diet, you can use these homemade flour tortillas instead!

What Can I Use Instead If I Have a Shellfish Allergy?

You can use any type of meaty fish. Cod is a good choice, and it's often very affordable. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets

Are These Spicy Shrimp Tacos?

The recipe, as it is written, has a bit of heat, but it's not overpowering.

Are Shrimp Tacos Better with Corn or Flour Tortillas?

Both. I prefer flour tortillas with mine, but feel free to use what you prefer.

What's the Best Way to Warm Tortillas?

You have several options. If you own a gas stove, place them in a single layer directly over an open flame on medium-low heat. Use tongs to flip and warm each side for about 15 seconds. You can also place them one-by-one in a skillet over medium heat.

If you're in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that this method may make the tortillas slightly chewy. Warm 3 to 4 tortillas at a time, covering them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

🍽️ More Seafood Recipes

• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Crostini 
• Smoked Salmon Frittata