These quick, easy low carb and keto shrimp tacos come together in under 20 minutes and are simple to customize for everyone at your table. A creamy avocado-cilantro dressing drizzled over the tacos adds bright, fresh flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick and Easy
Ready in less than 20 minutes. The ingredient list is simple and most of the work is prep—shrimp cook very quickly in a skillet.
For even faster prep, make the taco seasoning ahead of time and store extra for other meals (chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp). If you prefer convenience, a store-bought taco seasoning packet works fine.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the avocado-cilantro dressing; it adds a lot of flavor but isn’t required. A quick mix of sour cream and salsa (red or green) also makes a great alternative dressing.
Delicious
Sautéed shrimp tossed in taco seasoning combine with crisp cabbage and the creamy avocado-cilantro dressing for a bright, satisfying bite.
If you’re serving non-keto guests, offer flour tortillas; for kids who may not try the green dressing, provide familiar toppings so everyone can build tacos they enjoy.
Gluten-Free, Low Carb, and Keto-Friendly
With only 4.1 grams of net carbs, about 30.6 grams of fat, and 20.8 grams of protein per serving, these keto shrimp tacos fit well into low-carb and ketogenic meal plans.
Add extra healthy fat with diced avocado, additional cheese, or a spoonful of sour cream.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for the shrimp tacos and the avocado-cilantro dressing. See the recipe card for exact amounts.
Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (large to jumbo)
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Water
- Napa cabbage (or large lettuce leaves)
- Queso fresco, crumbled (or grated cheddar)
- Optional toppings: diced tomato, green onion, cilantro
Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- Ripe avocado
- Heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk)
- Olive oil
- Cilantro
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Lime juice
- Diced jalapeño (seeds removed)
- Kosher salt
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use large lettuce leaves instead of napa cabbage; any sturdy leaf will work for wrapping.
- Skip the dressing and use your favorite sauce. Sour cream mixed with salsa is a quick, tasty option.
- Try different cheeses: jack, pepper jack, colby jack, or cheddar work well.
- Make it dairy free by omitting cheese and using unsweetened almond milk in the dressing.
- Substitute fish for shrimp—tilapia, cod, or salmon seasoned and seared make excellent fish tacos.
- Customize toppings: diced avocado, red or yellow onion, salsa, sour cream, or olives are all great choices.
How To Make It
Simple step-by-step instructions to make these shrimp tacos quickly.
Prep Ingredients
- Prep and assemble all ingredients before you start cooking.
Make Avocado-Cilantro Dressing
- Combine avocado, cream (or almond milk), olive oil, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste. If the dressing is too thick, thin with a little water or additional cream.
Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes, sprinkle with taco seasoning, add water, and continue cooking until shrimp turn pink and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Assemble Tacos
- Place a large cabbage leaf or lettuce leaf down, layer with sliced cabbage, cooked shrimp, and crumbled cheese. Add desired toppings, drizzle with avocado-cilantro dressing, and serve.
How To Serve
Shrimp tacos are substantial on their own, but pairing them with a vegetable side makes a complete meal. Serving ideas:
- Wrap tacos in chaffles for a low-carb alternative.
- Drizzle chipotle crema for a smoky, spicy finish.
- Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
- Offer riced cauliflower as a side.
- If desired, provide low-carb or regular tortillas for guests who prefer them.
- For mixed dietary households, let everyone build their own tacos with their favorite toppings.
Kori’s Tips
- Make taco seasoning in advance and store extra for future meals.
- Adjust the seasoning amount to your taste; homemade blends are an easy, healthier option.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink—usually 4 to 5 minutes—to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Yes. Prep ingredients, make the dressing, and pre-cook shrimp up to 3 days in advance. Don’t assemble until ready to eat; gently rewarm shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
Add diced avocado, extra sour cream or cheese, or increase the heavy cream in the dressing.
Use unsweetened almond milk or skim milk in the dressing and reduce or omit cheese.
Yes, but warm them briefly to avoid overcooking. Toss with seasoning and heat in a skillet with a little oil for only a couple of minutes.
📖 The recipe.
Easy Low Carb Keto Shrimp Tacos – the BEST
Ingredients
Shrimp Tacos
- 12 ounces large to jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage + 4 large leaves for serving
- ¼ cup queso fresco, crumbled (or grated cheddar)
- Optional: diced tomato, green onion, cilantro
Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup cilantro
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ jalapeño, diced (seeds removed)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep and assemble all ingredients.
- For the dressing: combine avocado, cream (or almond milk), olive oil, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Thin with water or more cream if needed and adjust salt to taste.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp about 2 minutes, sprinkle with taco seasoning, add 2 tablespoons water, and cook until shrimp turn pink and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Assemble tacos: place a large cabbage leaf or lettuce leaf down, layer with sliced cabbage, shrimp, and queso fresco. Add desired toppings, drizzle with dressing, and serve.
Kori’s Tips
- Prep taco seasoning ahead of time to speed up meal prep.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste—homemade mixes are easy and healthier than many store packets.
- Cook shrimp only until pink to avoid toughness.
- If short on time, a quick sour cream-and-salsa mix makes an easy substitute for the avocado-cilantro dressing.
- SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve wrapped in lettuce, chaffles, or tortillas for guests who prefer them. This recipe is flexible—use your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 374 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8.2 g
Protein: 20.8 g
Fat: 30.6 g
Cholesterol: 159 mg
Sodium: 375 mg
Fiber: 4.1 g
Sugar: 1.2 g
© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™
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Low carb keto shrimp tacos with avocado-cilantro dressing are flavorful and easy—ready in under 20 minutes for a fresh, healthy weeknight meal. Serve in lettuce, cabbage leaves, chaffles, or tortillas and customize toppings to suit your family’s preferences.