Seared Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw

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

Juicy shrimp seared with chili and lime, tucked into warm tortillas with a creamy avocado slaw for a vibrant and fresh taco experience. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 21 minutes, pairs large 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: 6 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 shrimp with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lime zest until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from heat and drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss gently to create a creamy avocado slaw.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the seared shrimp evenly among tortillas, topping with generous spoonfuls of avocado slaw. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Seared Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

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 Seared Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw 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 Seared Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw?

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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