Grilled Citrus-Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in citrus and garlic, served in warm tortillas with a cool avocado crema for a fresh Mexican taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh lime juice, orange juice 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp water in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small flour tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp avocado crema on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 shrimp and 2 tbsp shredded red cabbage. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Garlic 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-Garlic 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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

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

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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