Shrimp Burritos with Chipotle Sauce are a mouthwatering fusion of tender, juicy shrimp, smoky-spicy chipotle sauce, fluffy rice, and creamy avocado all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors—smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh—all in one satisfying bite.
Unlike typical burritos filled with heavy meats, this shrimp version is lighter, zestier, and packs a delightful seafood twist that’s perfect for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. The chipotle sauce—smoky, slightly spicy, and creamy—ties all the ingredients together beautifully, giving each bite an irresistible richness.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. The shrimp cook in minutes and absorb the spicy, smoky flavors of chipotle like a dream. I also adore how customizable it is—you can load it up with rice, beans, avocado, or veggies to make it your own.
What really makes me love it is the balance of textures and flavors: the creamy chipotle sauce, the crisp lettuce, the tender shrimp, and the warm tortilla come together perfectly. It’s comfort food that still feels fresh and wholesome.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This shrimp burrito is a must-try because:
- It’s quick and easy—perfect for weeknights.
- The chipotle sauce adds restaurant-level flavor at home.
- It’s a lighter, healthier alternative to beef or pork burritos.
- It’s versatile—great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- And most importantly, it’s bursting with bold, addictive flavors that make it unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to switch up your burrito game, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Calories: ~520 per serving
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Course / Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Burritos:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Chipotle Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance heat)
- Salt to taste
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice if needed.
- Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Warm the tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce in the center of each tortilla.
- Add a layer of rice, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado slices, shrimp, and cheese.
- Drizzle more chipotle sauce on top.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
Step 4: Toast the Burritos (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat a clean skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Place the burritos seam-side down and toast for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

How to Serve
Serve these shrimp burritos warm, drizzled with extra chipotle sauce on top or served on the side for dipping. Add a wedge of lime for freshness and garnish with chopped cilantro.
They pair perfectly with:
- Mexican rice or Spanish rice
- Corn salad or pico de gallo
- Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook fast and can turn rubbery if overdone.
- Adjust spice level – add more or fewer chipotle peppers based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh tortillas – warm them before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Add crunch – toss in some shredded cabbage or crisp lettuce.
- Meal prep friendly – you can cook the shrimp and sauce ahead for quick assembly later.
Variations
- Shrimp and Corn Burritos – add grilled corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
- Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Bowl – skip the tortilla and serve everything over rice or quinoa.
- Cheesy Shrimp Burrito Bake – place rolled burritos in a baking dish, top with cheese and sauce, and bake until bubbly.
- Shrimp and Mango Burritos – add diced mango for a tropical, sweet-spicy flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store wrapped burritos in foil or airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Wrap each burrito tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Special Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor (for sauce)
- Skillet or grill pan
- Tongs
- Foil or parchment paper (for storage or reheating)
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: What can I substitute for chipotle peppers?
You can use smoked paprika with a little cayenne pepper for a smoky-spicy flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the sour cream and mayo with vegan alternatives or Greek yogurt.
Q4: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas or serve the mixture as a burrito bowl.
Q5: Can I use another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Conclusion
Shrimp Burritos with Chipotle Sauce are a flavor explosion that combines the best of Mexican and seafood cuisine. The smoky chipotle cream sauce elevates the shrimp and ties together the whole dish in a way that’s comforting yet exciting. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, a weekend treat, or meal prep, these burritos are guaranteed to become a favorite.
So grab your tortillas, fire up the skillet, and get ready to wrap up some pure deliciousness—these shrimp burritos are a must-try culinary adventure that never disappoints!
Shrimp Burritos with Chipotle Sauce
Course: DinnerCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: easy4
servings20
minutes15
minutes35
minutesIngredients
For the Shrimp Burritos:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
½ cup black beans (optional)
½ cup shredded lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
1 ripe avocado, sliced
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce : In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice if needed. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3: Assemble the Burritos : Warm the tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce in the center of each tortilla. Add a layer of rice, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado slices, shrimp, and cheese. Drizzle more chipotle sauce on top. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Step 4: Toast the Burritos (Optional but Recommended) : Heat a clean skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down and toast for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.






