Spicy 'Best' Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Zesty shrimp tacos with a kick of chipotle and creamy avocado sauce, featuring the crispiest, most flavorful shrimp you'll ever taste. This mexican ready in about 28 minutes pairs large shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice in a bowl—let marinate for 10 minutes while preheating the grill to medium-high.
  2. Step 2: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred, then slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mash 1 peeled avocado with 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until smooth; season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas on a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side until pliable. Spread 1 tbsp avocado crema on each, top with 3 shrimp pieces, and add a squeeze of lime.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy 'Best' Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 Spicy 'Best' 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 large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy 'Best' 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 Spicy 'Best' 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 Spicy 'Best' Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Mexican mexican 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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