Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Fresh grilled shrimp marinated in lime and cilantro served in warm tortillas topped with a smooth avocado crema for a vibrant taco night. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh lime juice, cilantro leaves, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 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 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado crema by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 small seeded chopped jalapeño in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill pan for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering 2-3 shrimp per tortilla, topping with 1/8 cup shredded red cabbage and a generous drizzle of avocado crema. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Cilantro Grilled 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 Lime-Cilantro Grilled 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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

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