Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw

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

Spicy chipotle-marinated shrimp served in warm tortillas topped with a zesty avocado cabbage slaw for a fresh and smoky taco experience. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 28 minutes, pairs large shrimp, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the avocado slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 medium diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp fresh lime zest, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Stir gently to combine and refrigerate.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet or in the oven. To assemble tacos, spoon cooked shrimp onto each tortilla and top generously with the avocado slaw before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

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 Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

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 Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw 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 Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

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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