Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty shrimp marinated in lime and cilantro, grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy avocado salsa in warm corn tortillas. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare avocado salsa by combining 1 large diced avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1 minced jalapeño in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, topping with a spoonful of avocado salsa and a dollop of 1/4 cup sour cream. Serve with extra lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime 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 Cilantro-Lime 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 Cilantro-Lime 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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