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My husband, Gary, loves tacos. He asks for them every week or two, which means I’m always looking for new ways to change things up.
The usual meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa routine can get a little predictable, but tacos are endlessly flexible. If you enjoy easy, WW-friendly taco meals like my Easy Chicken Enchilada Tacos, these soft spice-rubbed shrimp tacos are another flavorful option that comes together quickly and feels lighter.
Shrimp cooks fast, stays low in fat and calories, and takes on bold seasoning beautifully, making this a satisfying taco night option without feeling heavy.
Table of Contents
Why I Love These Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp cooks fast, making this a great weeknight meal.
- The spice rub adds lots of flavor without heaviness.
- They’re naturally low in fat and calories.
- They work with low-carb, WW-friendly, and flexible eating styles.
- The toppings are easy to customize.
- They feel indulgent but are actually quite light.
- Leftovers are easy to repurpose.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Medium Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined – Shrimp is lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for tacos. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well.
- Lime Juice -Adds brightness and helps the seasoning stick.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds freshness. If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can skip it or substitute green onion.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne) – This simple spice blend adds warmth and flavor. Use cayenne sparingly if you prefer less heat.
- Canola Oil – Used for sautéing. Any neutral oil will work.
- Low-Carb Flour Tortillas – Helps keep the tacos WW-friendly. Corn tortillas or hard shells can be used instead.
- Greens (Baby Arugula or Slaw Mix) – Adds crunch and freshness. Shredded cabbage or lettuce also work.
- Roma Tomatoes – Provide juiciness and balance.
- Salsa Verde – Adds tang and moisture. Red salsa or mango salsa can be substituted.
- Jalapeño (Optional) – For extra heat.
- Boursin Herb Cheese Spread (Optional) – A thin swipe adds richness and a fun twist without needing much.
How Many Calories and WW Points in Spice Rubbed Soft Shrimp Tacos?
According to my calculations, each 2-taco serving has 365 calories.
WW Points: 3
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
8 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How To Make Soft Shrimp Tacos Step by Step
- Pat the shrimp dry and place in a bowl. Add the lime juice and toss.
- In a small bowl (affiliate link), mix together the cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle over the shrimp and gently toss to coat.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until opaque and cooked through.
- Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
- Assemble tacos with a small amount of cheese spread (if using), shrimp, greens, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Recipe Notes and Variations
- Substitute your favorite taco or Southwest seasoning blend (affiliate link) if you prefer.
- Use red salsa or fruity mango salsa for a different flavor profile.
- Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas or hard shells.
- For Paleo or Keto, serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps.
- A light swipe (about ½ teaspoon) of Boursin adds a creamy twist without much extra.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with spicy black beans and/or rice or low carb cauliflower rice.
- Serve alongside a fresh corn salad.
- Top with this delicious Fresh Tomato and Corn Salsa.
- Turn into a salad to save carbs and add crunch with a few crushed chips.
- Replace tortillas with half of a baked sweet potato.
- Finish with a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese.
Ways to Use Leftovers
- Turn leftovers into a quick soup with broth, cabbage, and salsa.
- Make shrimp and cheese quesadillas.
- Sauté with rice (or cauliflower rice) and egg for a taco-style fried rice.
- Add shrimp, feta, and spinach to an omelet.
If you’ve made these Shrimp Soft Tacos, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Spice-Rubbed Shrimp Soft Tacos
Shrimp make a light yet satisfying meal. By using packaged salad or slaw mix and jarred salsa this effortless meal comes together in under 20 minutes.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 8 (6-inch) low carb flour tortillas
- 2 cups baby arugula or packaged cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage/carrots)
- 1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced
- 8 tablespoons jarred salsa verde
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 4 teaspoons Boursin herb cheese spread (optional)
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and place in a bowl. Add fresh lime juice and toss.
- Combine cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne, if using, in a small bowl (affiliate link). Whisk to combine.
- Sprinkle spices on shrimp and mix to gently coat.
- Add oil to skillet and heat over medium high heat.
- Add shrimp to skillet and cook 5-7 minutes until done, turn one time half way through.
- Warm tortillas according to package.
- Top tortillas with 1 tablespoon cheese spread (if using), shrimp, arugula or slaw, tomato, salsa, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
Notes
Serving size: 2 shrimp tacos
WW Points: 3
Check the WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 8 PointsPlus (Old plan) Use red salsa or fruity mango salsa if you prefer. Use corn tortillas or hard shells in place of flour tortillas. To keep it Paleo or Keto, enjoy the shrimp rolled in lettuce leaves. Spread 1/2 teaspoons of Boursin herb cheese on the tortilla for a new taco twist.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 8 PointsPlus (Old plan) Use red salsa or fruity mango salsa if you prefer. Use corn tortillas or hard shells in place of flour tortillas. To keep it Paleo or Keto, enjoy the shrimp rolled in lettuce leaves. Spread 1/2 teaspoons of Boursin herb cheese on the tortilla for a new taco twist.
Nutrition
Serving: 2shrimp tacos, Calories: 365kcal, Carbohydrates: 28.2g, Protein: 42g, Fat: 8.7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 274mg, Sodium: 629mg, Potassium: 668mg, Fiber: 17.6g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1247IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @simplenourishedliving or tag #simplenourishedliving!
Recipe source: Adapted from Weight Watchers Fresh and Easy 20 Minute Meals (affiliate link)
More WW-Friendly Shrimp Recipes
If you like Spice-Rubbed Shrimp Tacos, you might also like:
- No-Cook Tex-Mex Shrimp Rolls – A quick, refreshing option for warm days.
- Garlic Shrimp with Oil and Hot Peppers – Bold, simple flavors that come together fast.
- Southern Barbecued Shrimp – Rich, saucy shrimp with plenty of flavor.
- Curried Shrimp with Garlic, Lime and Cilantro – A vibrant shrimp dish with warm spices and fresh citrus.
