Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Avocado Crema

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

Bright and flavorful shrimp tacos topped with crunchy citrus slaw and a smooth avocado crema for a refreshing handheld meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, chili powder, ground cumin 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz peeled shrimp with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 medium peeled and segmented orange, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss until the slaw is crisp and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: For the avocado crema, blend 1 ripe avocado with 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by layering sautéed shrimp, a generous scoop of citrus slaw, and a drizzle of avocado crema. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Citrus 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 Citrus 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 chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Citrus 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 Citrus Slaw and 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Citrus 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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