Go Back
- Shrimp and Marinade Ingredients - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Taco Assembly Ingredients - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced - 1 avocado, sliced - Toppings and Garnishes - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - Lime wedges for serving Gathering fresh ingredients is key for this recipe. Start with raw shrimp. I choose peeled and deveined shrimp for ease. The olive oil helps the spices stick well. Lime adds a bright flavor that pairs well with shrimp. Garlic, cumin, and chili powder bring warmth and depth to the dish. For the tacos, small corn tortillas work best. They hold the filling nicely. Red cabbage adds crunch and color. Sliced avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats. Finally, toppings like sour cream or Greek yogurt add a nice tang. Lime wedges are perfect for an extra burst of flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role. Together, they create a fresh and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preparing the Marinade To start, we need to make a tasty marinade for the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine: - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients well. The lime juice will give the shrimp a bright, zesty flavor. Timing for Marination Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. Do not marinate for too long, or the shrimp may turn mushy from the acid in the lime juice. Heat Settings and Timing Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Signs of Properly Cooked Shrimp Properly cooked shrimp will curl into a “C” shape. If they curl tightly, they might be overcooked. Remove the shrimp from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for freshness. Tortilla Preparation While the shrimp cooks, warm 8 small corn tortillas. You can use a dry skillet or microwave. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Layering Ingredients for the Best Flavor For each taco, place a portion of shrimp on the tortilla. Top it with: - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced - 1 avocado, sliced - Drizzle with 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Finish with more cilantro and lime wedges on the side. This adds a burst of flavor to each bite! Avoiding Overcooking Shrimp cooks fast, so watch it closely. Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery. Cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from heat as soon as they are done. This keeps them tender and juicy. Skillet Tips for Even Cooking Preheat your skillet before adding the shrimp. Use medium-high heat for a nice sear. Don’t crowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures each shrimp gets its chance to shine. Suggested Spices and Add-Ins For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to your shrimp. A little heat can elevate your dish. You can also mix in some chopped onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and taste. Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients Use fresh herbs like cilantro for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients brighten the dish. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but they lack the same punch. Always choose fresh limes for zest and juice to bring out the best in your tacos. Ideal Pairings for Tacos Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are great with mango salsa or pico de gallo. These add freshness and a bit of sweetness. Squeeze some lime juice over the top for extra zing. You’ll love the contrast of flavors. Side Dish Ideas Serve your tacos with a side of Spanish rice or black beans. These hearty sides complement the bright flavors of the tacos. A simple corn salad also pairs nicely. It adds color and crunch to your meal. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors from the lime, garlic, and spices. Optimal Shrimp Cooking: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them rubbery. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side. Warm Tortillas: Warming the corn tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. You can heat them in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like mango salsa, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions to elevate your tacos even further. {{image_2}} You can switch out shrimp for other proteins. Fish works well, like cod or tilapia. Both cook fast and take on flavors nicely. Chicken is also a great choice. Use grilled or shredded chicken to keep it juicy and tasty. For those who do not eat meat, try beans or tofu. Both options soak up the marinade well. Want to spice things up? Add some heat! Use diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick. You can also try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. For a sweeter twist, think about adding tropical fruits. Pineapple or mango chunks can brighten the dish. They pair well with the lime and shrimp. If you want a fun twist, make taco bowls! Just layer your ingredients in a bowl. Start with rice or quinoa as the base. Then add shrimp, veggies, and toppings. You can also make lettuce wraps. Use large lettuce leaves to hold the shrimp and toppings. This is a fresh and low-carb option that tastes great! After you enjoy your cilantro lime shrimp tacos, store any leftovers right away. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. Make sure to add the toppings like cabbage and avocado in separate containers. This keeps them crisp. Store the tacos in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently. Use a skillet on low heat. This helps keep the shrimp juicy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. You can freeze shrimp tacos, but it's best to freeze the shrimp only. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat, take the shrimp out and thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also use cold water for quicker thawing. After thawing, cook the shrimp in a skillet until warmed through. For the tortillas, warm them in a pan or microwave just before serving. The best tacos come together when everything is fresh! You should marinate the shrimp for about 15 to 20 minutes. This time helps the shrimp soak up the flavors of lime, garlic, and spices. If you marinate too long, the acid from the lime juice can change the texture. So, keep an eye on the clock! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. To thaw them, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once they are thawed, drain the water and pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This step ensures the shrimp do not release too much water while cooking. Then, you can follow the marination and cooking steps as usual. I recommend using small corn tortillas for these tacos. Corn tortillas add a nice flavor and hold up well to the juicy shrimp. If you prefer flour tortillas, feel free to use them. They are softer and easier to fold but may not have the same taste. Choose what you like best! In this post, we explored shrimp tacos from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients, marinating shrimp, cooking tips, and assembling delicious tacos. You also learned about enhancing flavors and how to store leftovers. Shrimp tacos make a great meal choice. Feel free to experiment with the steps and enjoy the flavors. Whether you choose shrimp, chicken, or veggies, there are many ways to enjoy this dish. Dive in, make them your own, and savor every bite!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Delicious shrimp tacos with a zesty cilantro lime flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 limes zest and juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • as needed lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp well and let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
  • While the shrimp is cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  • To assemble the tacos, place a portion of cooked shrimp on each tortilla. Top with sliced red cabbage and avocado.
  • Drizzle sour cream or Greek yogurt over the top and garnish with additional cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
Keyword cilantro, easy, lime, shrimp, tacos