Grilled Citrus-Chili Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Spicy grilled shrimp marinated in citrus and chili, topped with a fresh pineapple salsa, served on warm corn tortillas for a bright and flavorful taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh orange juice, 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 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 small corn tortillas
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated 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 for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla and topping with generous spoonfuls of pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Chili Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 Grilled Citrus-Chili Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?
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 Grilled Citrus-Chili Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?
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-Chili Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa 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-Chili Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?
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.
