Grilled Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in lime and cilantro, served in warm corn tortillas with a smooth avocado crema and fresh slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), lime juice, chopped cilantro leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 whole ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small, seeded and chopped jalapeño
- 1/4 tsp salt (for crema)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp salt. Toss and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 whole ripe avocado, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat a 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.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side. Fill each tortilla with grilled shrimp, 1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 5: Drizzle each taco with the avocado crema and garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro 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.
Related recipes
Chipotle-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw
Tangy Mango and Avocado Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
Grilled Lime-Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Crema
Grilled Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
