I still remember the first time I bit into a shrimp burrito recipe on a beachside boardwalk in Baja. That bold mix of juicy shrimp, tangy crema, spicy rice, and fresh veggies was everything I never knew I wanted in a wrap. Since then, I’ve recreated and perfected my own version at home, and now it’s my go-to recipe when I want something satisfying, quick, and packed with flavor.
This shrimp burrito is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together fast, ideal for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or a flavorful lunch prep. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this burrito delivers bold taste in a tidy wrap.
Table of contents
What Makes This Shrimp Burrito Recipe So Delicious
What sets this shrimp burrito recipe apart from others is its balance of textures and flavors. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of lime for brightness. They’re wrapped in a warm tortilla with cilantro rice, creamy chipotle sauce, shredded lettuce, black beans, and a handful of crunchy veggies. Every bite is vibrant and satisfying.
Unlike heavy beef burritos or dry chicken wraps, this one is light but still indulgent. It can be easily made gluten-free with the right tortilla, or dairy-free by skipping the crema and cheese. And because shrimp cook quickly, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
Customization Tips:
- Swap white rice for brown or cauliflower rice
- Add avocado or guacamole for creaminess
- Spice it up with jalapeños or hot salsa
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream
What to Get Ready Ahead of Time
Having your elements ready before you start cooking is the secret to a stress-free shrimp burrito night. Here’s what you can prep in advance to save time and boost kitchen confidence:
- Marinate the shrimp: Toss raw shrimp with lime juice, garlic, spices, and olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Cook the rice: Make your rice ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Cilantro-lime rice reheats beautifully.
- Prep toppings: Shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, rinse black beans, and crumble cheese or prepare your crema.
- Warm the tortillas: Keep tortillas wrapped in foil and reheat just before serving.
This prep flow also makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or taco bar–style dinners where everyone builds their own burrito.
Recipe Card
Shrimp Burrito Recipe
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes420
kcalThis shrimp burrito is loaded with flavor, filled with juicy shrimp, rice, beans, crunchy veggies, and a creamy homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
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Ingredients
450 g 450 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon 1 olive oil
2 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon 1 smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 cumin
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 chili powder
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large 4 flour tortillas
2 cups 2 cooked cilantro-lime rice
1 cup 1 black beans, rinsed
1 cup 1 shredded lettuce
1/2 cup 1/2 diced tomato
1/4 cup 1/4 crumbled feta or shredded cheese
1/4 cup 1/4 sour cream or Greek yogurt
Optional: avocado, pickled onions, salsa
Directions
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Layer rice, black beans, shrimp, veggies, cheese, and sauce down the center of each tortilla.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
- Serve immediately or wrap in foil for later.
Notes
- Shrimp can be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For extra flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing.
- Don’t skip the sauce, it ties everything together.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 28g
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Pro Tips for Nailing the Perfect Shrimp Burrito Recipe
There are a few golden rules I follow to make sure my shrimp burrito turns out just right, every single time.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp only need about 2 minutes per side. When they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery quickly.
Layer with purpose: Start with rice and beans on the bottom to soak up juices, then add shrimp, veggies, and sauce last to keep the burrito from getting soggy.
Use warm tortillas: A quick toast on the skillet makes tortillas pliable and helps prevent tearing when you roll them.
Wrap tightly: Tuck the sides in first, then roll tightly from the bottom. Use foil if needed to keep everything snug.
Make the sauce shine: A homemade chipotle crema or garlic-lime yogurt sauce takes this burrito to the next level. Don’t skip it.
Adding avocado, pickled onions, or fresh herbs gives each bite more character. This is a burrito you can truly make your own.
Fun Variations to Keep Your Shrimp Burrito Game Strong
1. Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Burrito recipe
Craving heat? Toss the shrimp in chipotle chili powder or blend canned chipotle peppers with Greek yogurt for a smoky, spicy crema. Add jalapeños or hot salsa, and top with pickled onions for a spicy-sour combo that wakes up your tastebuds.
2. Shrimp Burrito Bowl
Want to ditch the tortilla? Turn it into a burrito bowl. Serve the shrimp over a bed of cilantro-lime rice with beans, avocado, shredded cabbage, salsa, and a drizzle of crema. Great for low-carb or gluten-free eaters.
3. Tropical Shrimp Burrito
Add diced mango or pineapple to the mix for a tropical twist. The sweet fruit pairs beautifully with the heat of the shrimp and the creaminess of the sauce. Add some fresh mint or cilantro for brightness.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp Burrito recipe
For a more indulgent version, cook shrimp in garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan. Wrap it up with sautéed spinach and rice for a rich, savory burrito experience.
FAQs
Sogginess usually comes from wet ingredients. Drain beans and tomatoes well, and layer ingredients properly: start with rice to absorb moisture. Warm tortillas help too.
Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add lots of veggies. You can also reduce the rice or swap it for cauliflower rice.
A chipotle crema or garlic-lime yogurt sauce is perfect. You can also try a cilantro avocado dressing.
Only if you use gluten-free tortillas. Most fillings (rice, beans, shrimp, veggies) are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts: A Shrimp Burrito Recipe Worth Repeating
This shrimp burrito has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation. It’s quick to make, full of zesty flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re craving something warm and filling after a long day or planning a casual dinner with friends, it checks all the boxes.
The layers of flavor, spiced shrimp, creamy sauce, crunchy greens, and tangy lime, make every bite exciting. If you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut, this shrimp burrito might be just the delicious shakeup you need.
Looking for more ideas? Try my Quesabirria Tacos or Birria Tacos Recipe next.
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