There’s something undeniably special about shrimp tacos. They bring together the fresh, vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro with the slight smokiness of seasoned shrimp, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a summer gathering, or even a cozy night in when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
The beauty of these tacos is in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you get a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The zesty lime complements the fresh cilantro, and when paired with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, the result is simply irresistible.
If you’ve ever been to a coastal town where seafood is a staple, you know how magical freshly cooked shrimp tacos can be. They remind me of beach vacations, lively taco stands, and warm evenings filled with laughter and good food. But the best part? You don’t need to travel to enjoy them—you can easily recreate that experience in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – From start to finish, these tacos come together in under 30 minutes.
- Bright & Fresh Flavors – The combination of citrusy lime, fragrant cilantro, and tender shrimp is a match made in heaven.
- Healthy & Light – Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, these tacos are both delicious and nutritious.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, like avocado, cabbage slaw, or a creamy sauce, to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for drizzling)
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeño slices
- Hot sauce
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the toppings.
Tip: If you have extra time, marinate the shrimp for 20-30 minutes for even more flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
While the shrimp are marinating, get your toppings ready. Chop the cilantro, slice the avocado, and shred the cabbage. If you’re making a creamy lime sauce, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Set everything aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.
Tip: If you love a little extra char, let the shrimp sit in the pan for an extra 30 seconds before flipping!
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20 seconds to keep them soft and pliable.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Place a few shrimp onto each tortilla, then top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings you love. Drizzle with the creamy lime sauce or extra lime juice for a final touch.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your cilantro lime shrimp tacos immediately while they’re warm and fresh. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro make all the difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly! As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat.
- Double the Batch – These tacos disappear fast! If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe.
- Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or top your tacos with jalapeños and hot sauce.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using corn tortillas)
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, skip the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.
- You can swap shrimp for grilled chicken or fish if desired.
- Serve with a refreshing side, like mango salsa or guacamole, for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture so they sear properly in the pan.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the toppings and tortillas separate for the best texture when reheating.
How Do I Reheat the Shrimp?
Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prep the toppings and marinate the shrimp ahead of time, but for the best texture and flavor, cook the shrimp fresh before serving.
Related Recipes
If you loved these cilantro lime shrimp tacos, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
- Korean Spicy Chicken Tacos
- Low-Carb Fish Taco Bowls
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Conclusion
Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are the perfect mix of fresh, zesty, and savory flavors that make every bite absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends, they’re sure to be a hit. The best part? They’re so easy to whip up, and you can customize them to fit your taste.
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Description
There’s something undeniably special about shrimp tacos. They bring together the fresh, vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro with the slight smokiness of seasoned shrimp, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a summer gathering, or even a cozy night in when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
The beauty of these tacos is in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you get a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The zesty lime complements the fresh cilantro, and when paired with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, the result is simply irresistible.
If you’ve ever been to a coastal town where seafood is a staple, you know how magical freshly cooked shrimp tacos can be. They remind me of beach vacations, lively taco stands, and warm evenings filled with laughter and good food. But the best part? You don’t need to travel to enjoy them—you can easily recreate that experience in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for drizzling)
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeño slices
- Hot sauce
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the toppings.
Tip: If you have extra time, marinate the shrimp for 20-30 minutes for even more flavor!
While the shrimp are marinating, get your toppings ready. Chop the cilantro, slice the avocado, and shred the cabbage. If you’re making a creamy lime sauce, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Set everything aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.
Tip: If you love a little extra char, let the shrimp sit in the pan for an extra 30 seconds before flipping!
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20 seconds to keep them soft and pliable.
Place a few shrimp onto each tortilla, then top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings you love. Drizzle with the creamy lime sauce or extra lime juice for a final touch.
Serve your cilantro lime shrimp tacos immediately while they’re warm and fresh. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, skip the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.
- You can swap shrimp for grilled chicken or fish if desired.
- Serve with a refreshing side, like mango salsa or guacamole, for an extra burst of flavor.