Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus-lime blend, grilled and served in warm tortillas with creamy avocado sauce and fresh slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, lime 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1/4 cup cilantro leaves. Blend until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the cabbage slaw by mixing 1 cup finely shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 minced seeded jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: 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.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by spreading 1-2 tbsp avocado crema on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 grilled shrimp and a spoonful of cabbage slaw. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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-Lime 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Lime 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-Lime 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-Lime 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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