Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and zesty grilled shrimp marinated in citrus and lime juice, served in warm corn tortillas topped with creamy avocado salsa. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh lime juice, orange 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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 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 in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the avocado salsa by combining 1 diced large avocado, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 1 tsp lime zest in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
  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 opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing grilled shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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.