Taco-Style Grilled Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

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

Juicy grilled shrimp marinated in smoky spices, served with a creamy avocado and cilantro sauce perfect for tacos or as a vibrant dip. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight grill marks. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp water, and 1 small seeded chopped jalapeño (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled shrimp drizzled with the avocado-cilantro sauce or use as a topping for tacos or bowls.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Style Grilled Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 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 Taco-Style Grilled Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?

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 Taco-Style Grilled Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?

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 Taco-Style Grilled Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce 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 Taco-Style Grilled Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?

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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