Half-Shell Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema
A vibrant taco featuring shrimp with half the shell removed for easy eating, paired with a zesty lime crema that balances the richness. This mexican-inspired mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs juiced lime, cumin, avocado oil 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 20-25 pieces), peeled and deveined with shells reserved large shrimp
- 1, juiced lime
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 medium, pitted and mashed avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup, finely minced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from pan.
- Step 2: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup minced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1/4 tsp salt to make crema.
- Step 3: Arrange shrimp on tortillas, top with 1/2 mashed avocado per taco, and drizzle with crema. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Shrimp Tacos with Lime 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 Half-Shell Shrimp Tacos with Lime 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 juiced lime from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Shrimp Tacos with Lime 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 Half-Shell Shrimp Tacos with Lime 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.
Is Half-Shell Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Perfect mexican recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
