Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pickled Red Onion

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and smoky grilled shrimp marinated in a citrus blend, served in warm corn tortillas topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh avocado. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, orange juice, 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, place 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl. Heat 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 tbsp sugar until sugar dissolves, then pour over onions. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to pickle.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on tortillas, topping with pickled red onions, slices of 1 avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and optional jalapeño slices for heat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pickled Red Onion take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 Pickled Red Onion?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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 Pickled Red Onion 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 Pickled Red Onion?

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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