Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and zesty shrimp tacos featuring a chili-lime glaze and creamy avocado salsa, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice and 1 tbsp honey. Pour the glaze over the cooked shrimp and toss to coat, cooking for an additional 1 minute until the glaze thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry pan over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: For the avocado salsa, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by dividing the shrimp evenly among the tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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