Grilled Citrus-Chile Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in citrus and chile, tucked into corn tortillas with creamy avocado crema and fresh cilantro for a vibrant taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 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 290 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to fully coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 2 tbsp water in a food processor until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet. Assemble tacos by spreading a tablespoon of avocado crema on each tortilla, topping with grilled shrimp and a handful of 1 cup shredded red cabbage.
  5. Step 5: Garnish tacos with additional fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Chile 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 Grilled Citrus-Chile 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Chile 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 Grilled Citrus-Chile 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 Grilled Citrus-Chile Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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