Garlic-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in garlic and lime, nestled in warm corn tortillas with a creamy avocado-cilantro sauce for a fresh and vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice 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 320 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado-cilantro sauce by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño, and 2 tbsp water until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight char marks. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp avocado-cilantro sauce on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 grilled shrimp and a sprinkle of 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?

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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?

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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce 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 Garlic-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?

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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