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To make cilantro lime shrimp tacos, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, juiced and zested - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas These main ingredients create a bright and zesty flavor in your tacos. The shrimp brings a sweet taste, while the lime adds a tangy kick. Garlic, cumin, and chili powder give it depth and warmth. You can make your tacos even better with some optional toppings and sides. Here are some ideas: - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping) - Extra lime wedges (for serving) Adding avocado gives a creamy texture. Shredded cabbage adds crunch, and sour cream or yogurt brings a rich finish. Lime wedges offer extra zest for those who love a burst of citrus. Understanding the nutrition in your meal helps you eat better. Here’s a quick look at the key nutrients: - Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories. - Avocado provides healthy fats and fiber. - Cabbage is full of vitamins C and K. - Olive oil adds good fats and antioxidants. - Lime juice is rich in vitamin C. This meal is balanced and packed with nutrients. It’s a smart choice for a light, tasty dinner. Enjoying these tacos can help you feel good while satisfying your cravings. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take your large shrimp and put them in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, the juice and zest from 1 lime, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until the shrimp are well coated. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This step adds great flavor. Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the heat when they are done. This process is quick, so keep an eye on them. While the shrimp are cooking, warm your small corn tortillas in a dry skillet. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft. Now it’s time to assemble the tacos! Take a warm tortilla and add a few pieces of shrimp. Next, layer on some sliced avocado and a handful of shredded red cabbage. For the finishing touch, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything for a burst of flavor. Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful treat! To cook shrimp just right, start with high heat. This keeps the shrimp juicy. Lay the shrimp in a single layer in your skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink and opaque color. Don't overcook them; they can get tough quickly. Marinades make your shrimp burst with flavor. Use lime juice and zest for brightness. Garlic adds a rich taste. Cumin and chili powder bring warmth and depth. Marinate your shrimp for 15-20 minutes. This short time makes a big difference in flavor. These tacos pair well with fresh sides. Try a light salad or black beans. A fruity salsa can add a nice touch. Serve with lime wedges for extra zing. You can also offer toppings like pickled onions or fresh jalapeños for heat. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes enhances the flavors, making each bite incredibly delicious. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook shrimp until they are pink and opaque; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them while cooking! Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. Use a dry skillet to avoid them becoming too crispy. Add Freshness: Fresh lime juice is key to brightening up the tacos. Squeeze some over the assembled tacos for an extra zesty kick! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken or fish works great. Try using grilled chicken breast for a lean option. For a twist, use fish like tilapia or cod. Both cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Ground beef or turkey are also tasty choices. Season them with the same spices for a similar taste. If you want a meatless taco, consider using grilled veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms add great flavor. You can also use black beans for protein. They are filling and pair well with spices. Another fun option is crispy tofu. Marinate it like shrimp and sauté until golden. It adds a lovely crunch. You can change the flavor with different spices. Try adding paprika for a smoky taste. For heat, toss in some cayenne or jalapeños. If you want something sweet, use mango or pineapple salsa. This adds a nice contrast to the shrimp. You can also play with herbs. Use dill or parsley instead of cilantro for a fresh twist. These small changes can make your tacos feel new and exciting! To keep your shrimp tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The shrimp and toppings can last up to two days. Keep the tortillas separate to avoid sogginess. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. When you’re ready to eat your tacos again, reheat them properly. Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about two minutes or until heated through. Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet for 30 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and pliable. If you want to save shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. Place the marinated shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. To make shrimp tacos from scratch, start with fresh shrimp. First, peel and devein the shrimp, if needed. Next, mix lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Heat a skillet and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet. Assemble the tacos with shrimp, avocado, and cabbage. Don't forget the sour cream and lime juice! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft. After thawing, drain and pat them dry before marinating. This step helps the shrimp absorb the flavors better. For healthy sides, consider serving a fresh salad. A simple green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers works well. You can also serve black beans or corn salsa. These options add fiber and nutrients to your meal. Grilled vegetables are another tasty choice that pairs nicely with the shrimp. Leftovers of shrimp tacos can last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. It’s best to keep the shrimp and tortillas separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the shrimp gently to maintain their texture and flavor. If you want to switch up the tortillas, try flour tortillas. They are soft and easy to fold. Lettuce wraps are another fun option for a low-carb meal. You can also use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added flavor and nutrition. Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are packed with flavor and simple to make. We explored key ingredients, marinating, cooking techniques, and storage tips. With plenty of topping options and sides, you can customize your meal. Remember, you can adjust proteins and flavors to fit your taste. These tacos are not just yummy; they offer a fun cooking experience. Enjoy your taco night with friends and family, knowing you can whip up delicious meals anytime.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Delicious shrimp tacos with fresh cilantro and lime flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 unit lime, juiced and zested
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 unit avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
  • extra unit lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well coated. Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
  • While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or until pliable.
  • To assemble the tacos, take a warm tortilla and layer it with a few pieces of shrimp, sliced avocado, and a handful of shredded red cabbage.
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and extra cilantro if desired. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for an added burst of flavor.
  • Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy!

Notes

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