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Flavorful Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Avocado Crema

chili lime shrimp tacos - featured image

These shrimp tacos are quick and easy to make, featuring a zesty chili lime marinade and a creamy avocado crema that balances the spice perfectly. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they deliver bright, fresh flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (can substitute dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (a handful, optional)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and the juice of one lime. Coat well and marinate for about 10 minutes.
  2. While shrimp marinates, combine avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cilantro (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water if needed to adjust consistency. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion and shred the red cabbage. Toss together in a small bowl and set aside.
  4. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for 20-30 seconds per side until soft and slightly toasted. Keep wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
  5. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight char. Avoid overcrowding and overcooking.
  6. Assemble tacos by spreading avocado crema on each tortilla, topping with shrimp, cabbage and onion slaw, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Marinate shrimp for only 10 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp to get a good sear. Keep tortillas wrapped in a towel after warming to maintain softness. If no blender is available, mash avocado and mix crema ingredients by hand.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, chili lime shrimp, avocado crema, easy tacos, quick dinner, Mexican tacos, seafood tacos, healthy tacos