Crispy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Tacos

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

Juicy shrimp seared with zesty lemon and garlic, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces peeled and deveined Shrimp, medium, zested and juiced Lemon, minced Garlic 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss with 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by placing 2 shrimp on each tortilla, topping with 1/4 cup shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Crispy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Tacos?

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 minced garlic from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Tacos?

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 Crispy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Tacos 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.

Is Crispy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Tacos low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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