Texan-Inspired Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

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

Lightly seasoned shrimp grilled and served in warm tortillas topped with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce and fresh cabbage slaw for a bright, flavorful taco. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, chili powder 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) 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 large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, prepare the sauce by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a blender until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill pan for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering shredded green cabbage (2 cups) on each tortilla, topping with grilled shrimp, and drizzling with creamy avocado cilantro sauce before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Texan-Inspired Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce 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 Texan-Inspired Shrimp Tacos with Creamy 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 Texan-Inspired Shrimp Tacos with Creamy 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 Texan-Inspired Shrimp Tacos with Creamy 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 Texan-Inspired Shrimp Tacos with Creamy 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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