Zesty Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos

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

Juicy shrimp tacos with a bright lime-cilantro sauce and crisp cabbage slaw for a refreshing weeknight meal. This mexican (low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs shrimp, lime juice, cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 345 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 12 oz shrimp with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro for the sauce.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup sliced radishes, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; toss to mix.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos: Place 2-3 shrimp pieces on each warmed tortilla, top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and drizzle with lime-cilantro sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (20 min prep + 7 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 Zesty Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos?

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 Zesty Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos 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.

Is Zesty Lime-Cilantro Shrimp Tacos low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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