Best Low Calorie Shrimp Tacos
Best Low Calorie Shrimp Tacos is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 1. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Peter Martin on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 23 min
Cost: $13.81 total, $13.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Shrimp (peeled, deveined, medium size)
- 3 pieces Low-Carb Tortillas (6‑inch, preferably almond‑flour or coconut‑flour based)
- 1 medium Avocado (ripe, flesh mashed)
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (finely chopped)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed from about 1 lime)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
Instructions
Make the Cilantro‑Lime Yogurt Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry, then sprinkle lightly with salt (and optional pepper). Toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Cook the Shrimp
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Prepare the Mashed Avocado
While the shrimp rests, scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl and mash with a fork until creamy. Add a tiny pinch of salt if desired.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the low‑carb tortillas briefly (10 seconds each) in the same skillet or microwave. Spread a thin layer of mashed avocado on each tortilla, add 2–3 shrimp, drizzle with the cilantro‑lime yogurt sauce, and serve immediately.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shrimp: Canned tuna, Chicken breast strips
- Instead of Low-Carb Tortillas: Lettuce leaves, Cheese wraps
- Instead of Avocado: Mashed peas, Guacamole (store‑bought)
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Sour cream, Plain regular yogurt
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley, Coriander leaves
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives, Leek tops
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil
- Instead of Lime Juice: Lemon juice, Lime zest + water
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk (optional)
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Plate
- Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking shrimp for exactly 3 minutes per side to avoid rubbery texture.
- Whisking the sauce until smooth to prevent lumps.
- Mashing avocado just enough to stay creamy but not completely pureed.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the shrimp seasoning for a subtle smoky flavor.
- For extra heat, mix a few drops of hot sauce into the yogurt sauce.
- Use a squeeze bottle for the sauce to drizzle evenly over each taco.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp turn rubbery.
Reduce cooking time; shrimp should be pink and just firm. Overcooking causes rubberiness.
Sauce is too thick.
Stir in a teaspoon of water or extra lime juice until desired consistency is reached.
Tortillas crack when folded.
Warm them briefly on a dry skillet or microwave for 10‑15 seconds to make them pliable.
Storage
Refrigerator: Sauce and cooked shrimp keep up to 2 days in airtight containers; mashed avocado best used same day.
Freezer: Shrimp can be frozen raw for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking. Sauce freezes poorly due to yogurt texture.
Room temperature: Assembled tacos should be eaten within 1 hour; otherwise refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cilantro‑lime yogurt sauce up to 2 days ahead; store in a sealed jar.
- Seasoned raw shrimp can be marinated for 15‑30 minutes before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp tacos in Mexican cuisine?
Shrimp tacos are a coastal staple in Mexico, especially in Baja California and the Gulf region where fresh shrimp are abundant. They are traditionally served with simple toppings like cabbage, lime, and a light crema, reflecting the region’s emphasis on fresh, bright flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of shrimp tacos in Mexican cuisine?
In Baja, shrimp tacos are often grilled and topped with a cabbage slaw and a drizzle of crema. In the Yucatán, they may be seasoned with achiote and served with pickled onions. The low‑carb version swaps corn tortillas for almond‑flour tortillas and uses a Greek‑yogurt sauce for a modern twist.
How are shrimp tacos traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?
Traditional Mexican shrimp tacos are served on warm corn tortillas, topped with a simple cabbage or lettuce slaw, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of crema or salsa. They are often eaten on the go from a street cart or beach stand.
What occasions or celebrations are shrimp tacos associated with in Mexican culture?
Shrimp tacos are popular at beach festivals, summer gatherings, and seafood celebrations along the coast. They are also a common offering at family picnics and casual weekend meals because they are quick to prepare and highlight fresh seafood.
How does this low‑carb shrimp taco recipe fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
The recipe keeps the core Mexican principles—fresh seafood, bright citrus, and herbaceous toppings—while adapting the carbohydrate component to fit low‑carb and keto diets. It honors the traditional flavor profile with cilantro, lime, and a creamy sauce, mirroring the classic crema used in authentic tacos.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for shrimp tacos versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?
Authentic ingredients include fresh shrimp, corn tortillas, cabbage slaw, lime, and Mexican crema. In this low‑carb version, almond‑flour tortillas replace corn, Greek yogurt replaces crema, and mashed avocado adds healthy fat while keeping carbs low. Substitutes like chicken or tofu can replace shrimp for a different protein.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making low‑carb shrimp tacos?
Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery; using too much sauce, which can soggify the low‑carb tortillas; and not warming the tortillas enough, leading to cracking. Follow the timed cooking steps and keep sauce portions light for best results.
Why does this shrimp taco recipe use Greek yogurt instead of traditional Mexican crema?
Greek yogurt provides a high‑protein, low‑fat alternative that mimics the tangy creaminess of Mexican crema while keeping the dish keto‑friendly and under 150 calories per taco. It also adds a thicker texture that holds up well with the lime and cilantro flavors.
Can I make the low‑carb shrimp tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the cilantro‑lime yogurt sauce and mash the avocado up to two days ahead, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas from becoming soggy.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the shrimp are done cooking?
Cooked shrimp should be opaque pink with a slight curl at the tail end and feel firm but slightly springy to the bite. Overcooked shrimp become white and rubbery, while undercooked shrimp remain translucent and soft.
What does the YouTube channel Peter Martin specialize in?
The YouTube channel Peter Martin focuses on quick, health‑focused home cooking tutorials that emphasize low‑carb, high‑protein meals using simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Peter Martin's approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Peter Martin adapts traditional Mexican flavors into low‑carb, calorie‑controlled dishes, often swapping high‑carb staples like corn tortillas for keto‑friendly alternatives while maintaining authentic taste profiles. This nutritional focus sets his channel apart from typical Mexican cooking channels that prioritize authenticity over dietary constraints.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
