By Pamela Waitt
Bright, colorful, melty, and ready in minutes.
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that delivers big flavor with almost no effort, these sautéed shrimp tacos are about to be your new weeknight hero. Juicy shrimp, tender onions and bell peppers, melty Colby Jack cheese, and a sprinkle of red onion and cilantro all come together inside a warm flour tortilla.
Perfect for a last-minute Taco Tuesday or honestly, any day that calls for something fast and delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos
Ready in under 15 minutes
Uses simple, everyday ingredients
Bright flavors + melty cheese = the perfect combo
Works great for feeding a crowd or a quick solo dinner
Shrimp cooks lightning fast dinner is basically instant
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small white or yellow onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- Flour tortillas (6-inch)
Fresh Toppings
- Red onion, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How to Make Them
- Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and cook 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.
- Add the Shrimp
Stir in the shrimp and garlic. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side shrimp cook fast! Remove from heat when pink and opaque.
- Warm the Tortillas
Heat flour tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a low stovetop flame until lightly charred and flexible.
- Build the Tacos
Add a handful of shredded Colby Jack to each warm tortilla.
Top with the shrimp and veggie mixture.
Finish with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Serving Ideas
- Add a drizzle of crema or chipotle mayo
- Serve with Mexican rice or a simple cabbage slaw
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess
- Pair with your favorite margarita (you know I have recipes!)
This recipe hits all the notes: savory sautéed shrimp, sweet bell peppers, melty cheese, fresh herbs, a bright hit of lime. It’s one of those “so simple you almost don’t need a recipe” dishes but so good you’ll want it on repeat.
Note: Wine lovers, this dish pairs great with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
