This Spicy Shrimp Sandwich features Mexican shrimp with a garlicky shrimp sandwich sauce, topped with creamy mashed avocado—an easy, flavorful shrimp dinner ready in 25 minutes!
If you are looking for more shrimp dinner ideas, try my creamy Tuscan shrimp or the firecracker shrimp recipe.
👉 This spicy shrimp sandwich recipe has been a reader favorite since I first shared the recipe in 2021. It was updated with new photos and step-by-step instructions in February 2025.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Shrimp Sandwich Recipe
🕒 Ready In: ~25 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🧑🍳 Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Mexican spices, avocado, tomato, mayo, sriracha and garlic.
📖 Dietary Info: Seafood, meatless recipe
📌 Difficulty: Quick and easy
Why you’ll love this shrimp sandwich?
This isn’t your average spicy sandwich! Juicy, skillet-cooked Mexican shrimp meet a spicy, garlicky sriracha-based shrimp sandwich sauce and creamy avocado for bold, Mexican-inspired flavors. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Unlike the usual shrimp po’ boy or salad sandwich, this one takes all the best elements of a shrimp taco and turns them into a unique, irresistible sandwich.
One reader Martha writes, "I made this for dinner and it is delicious!!😋 Quick, easy, and tasty!" ★★★★★
- maria doss
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Tips for Success
- If possible, marinate the shrimp. Toss them with the spices and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to really soak in.
- Adjust the Sriracha sauce based on your spice tolerance.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Cook just until it has curled into a C.
- If you are using a smaller pan, then cook in batches.
Ingredient substitutions
Buns: I've used regular burger buns, but feel free to swap in white sandwich bread, soft hot dog buns, or sliced Italian bread for a different twist. Swap the buns for lettuce wraps or tortillas!
Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you're short on time, taco or Cajun seasoning works great as a quick alternative!
More spicy shrimp recipes
Spicy Shrimp Sandwich
Ingredients
For The Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp peeled, deveined and patted dry
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
For The Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Sandwich
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter or mayo to toast
- 1 to 2 avocados
- tomato slices as needed
Instructions
Cook shrimp
- Mix. Combine the shrimp and all the ingredients (under the spicy shrimp) in a bowl and toss to coat.
- Cook. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and tender. Transfer the shrimp to a plate. 👉 If necessary, cook them in two batches depending on the size of your pan.
Assemble Sandwiches
- Toast buns. Spread a thin layer of softened butter or mayo on the cut sides of the buns. Place the buns cut-side down in the same pan and cook for about 30 seconds, or until golden and toasted. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Repeat in batches until all the buns are toasted.
- Make sauce. Stir all sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
- Assemble Sandwiches. Spread sauce on the bottom half of the toasted bun. Layer 6–9 cooked shrimp over the sauce, then add sliced tomato. Spread mashed avocado on the top half of the bun, place it on top, and press gently to close.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Watch How To Make It
How to make shrimp sandwich?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! In fact, I actually prefer frozen shrimp because it’s often fresher than the shrimp in the refrigerated section. It’s typically frozen right after being harvested, sometimes even on the boat itself.
Plus, since it's always stocked in the freezer, it’s super convenient and quick to defrost for last-minute meals. Just thaw the frozen shrimp before using to make shrimp sandwich!
Place the frozen shrimp in a large bowl filled with room temperature water. They’ll thaw in about 10 minutes (depending on the quantity). Once thawed, drain and pat dry with paper towels.
This spicy shrimp sandwich is one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights. Shrimp recipes are perfect for quick dinners since they thaw fast and cook in no time. You might also enjoy the spicy shrimp taco or buffalo shrimp taco recipe!
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💚 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love to hear your feedback! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Hi, I’m Maria! I share easy, flavor-packed dinners, high-protein meals, and irresistible baking ideas. If you’ve ever asked, “Don’t know what to cook tonight?” you’re in the right place. And yes—there’s plenty here for breakfast, snacks, and dessert too. More about maria ->
Martha
I made this for dinner and it is delicious!!😋 Quick, easy, and tasty!
Maria Doss
Hi Martha, That’s wonderful to hear, have a wonderful weekend - Maria ♡