Grilled Lime-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

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

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in lime and spices, paired with a fresh avocado salsa and served in warm corn tortillas for a vibrant taco experience. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs large shrimp, lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado salsa by combining 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Gently mix and refrigerate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers or place directly on grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by distributing grilled shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lime-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa 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-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lime-Marinated 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 Lime-Marinated 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 Lime-Marinated 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.

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