Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and flavorful shrimp tacos topped with crunchy cilantro lime slaw and smooth avocado crema for a refreshing bite. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Toss to make the slaw.
  4. Step 4: For the avocado crema, blend 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a food processor until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Warm 6 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering slaw, 2 shrimp each, and a generous drizzle of avocado crema on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and 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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