Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Bright and zesty grilled shrimp marinated in fresh citrus juices, layered in corn tortillas with creamy avocado crema and crunchy cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 35 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup, fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup, fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and chopped jalapeño
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado crema by combining 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño, and 1 tsp honey in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy; set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop until pliable and lightly toasted.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering shredded green cabbage (2 cups) on each tortilla, topping with grilled shrimp, and drizzling with avocado crema. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?
Mexican cinco de mayo 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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