Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Crema

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

Quick sautéed shrimp tacos topped with sweet pineapple salsa and a refreshing cilantro lime crema, perfect for festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This Mexican-inspired Cinco de Mayo recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs medium shrimp, olive oil, garlic cloves 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a bowl to make pineapple salsa.
  5. Step 5: For cilantro crema, mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by layering sautéed shrimp, pineapple salsa, and a drizzle of cilantro crema on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro 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 Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro 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 medium shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro 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 Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro 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 Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Crema?

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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