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Avocado Lime Shrimp Tacos - Bright, Fresh, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
  • Avocados: 2 ripe avocados
  • Limes: 3 limes (for juice and zest)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Fresh cilantro: A small bunch
  • Red onion: 1 small
  • Jalapeño or serrano (optional): 1, seeded and minced
  • Cabbage: 2 cups shredded (green, red, or a mix)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/3 cup
  • Honey or agave: 1–2 teaspoons
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 10–12 small
  • Optional toppings: Cotija or feta cheese, hot sauce, radishes, pico de gallo

Method
 

  1. Make the Lime Slaw: In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, half the minced red onion, a handful of chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon honey. Toss and let it sit while you cook the shrimp. This helps the flavors meld and slightly softens the cabbage.
  2. Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add shrimp, 1 tablespoon oil, minced garlic, and the zest of 1 lime. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Prep the Avocado Lime Sauce: Mash the avocados in a bowl with 2 tablespoons lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro. For a creamier texture, stir in 1–2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add minced jalapeño if you like heat.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high. Warm each tortilla for 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred in spots. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
  5. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high with 1 tablespoon oil. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon lime juice at the end and toss.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of avocado lime sauce on each warm tortilla. Add a few shrimp, a small handful of slaw, and any extras like crumbled Cotija, sliced radishes, or hot sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  7. Taste and Adjust: If anything tastes flat, you likely need more acid or salt. Add a sprinkle of salt over the tacos or another squeeze of lime to bring everything into balance.