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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt To make cilantro lime shrimp tacos, you need fresh shrimp. I like to use large shrimp for their juicy bite. You’ll need olive oil, garlic, and spices to enhance the shrimp's taste. Lime juice and zest bring a bright zing that pairs well with the shrimp. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note. For the taco base, corn tortillas work best. Toppings like sliced avocado and shredded red cabbage add texture and creaminess. Finally, sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness. Each ingredient plays a key role, so choose the best you can find. This dish is flavorful and simple, making it perfect for any day of the week. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, combine the shrimp with garlic and spices. In a bowl, mix the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is coated well with the mixture. This step is key to enhancing the flavor of your tacos. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all the tasty flavors. Marination makes a big difference in taste and helps the shrimp become tender and juicy. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and prevents them from getting rubbery. While the shrimp cooks, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan or in the microwave. Warm tortillas make it easy to fold and hold the tacos without breaking. Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Add slices of avocado and a handful of shredded red cabbage on top. Finally, drizzle sour cream or Greek yogurt over the tacos. Finish by sprinkling fresh cilantro for added flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious, homemade cilantro lime shrimp tacos! For your cilantro lime shrimp tacos, add extra spices for depth. Consider cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a unique twist. You can even try a bit of honey for a sweet touch. To save time, marinate the shrimp while prepping other ingredients. This way, you use the waiting time wisely. Just mix the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and spices. Let it soak up those flavors for 15-20 minutes. You can grill or broil the shrimp if you want a smoky flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on the time. Shrimp cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. If you want to check for doneness, cut one shrimp in half. It should be firm and not rubbery. For toppings, get creative! Try adding mango salsa for sweetness or pickled onions for a tangy crunch. Fresh jalapeños can also give your tacos a spicy kick. Pair your tacos with sides like cilantro rice or black beans. For drinks, a refreshing limeade or a cold beer works great. Pro Tips Marinate for Best Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This step enhances the flavor by allowing the shrimp to absorb the lime and spices. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery. Warm Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas before assembling the tacos. This makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking when filled. Garnish for Visual Appeal: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side before serving. It enhances both the flavor and presentation of your tacos. {{image_2}} You can switch up the shrimp for other proteins. Fish like mahi-mahi or tilapia works great. Chicken is another good choice. Just marinate it like the shrimp to keep the flavor. For vegetarian options, try grilled mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. Both bring a nice texture and taste to your tacos. To make your tacos more exciting, think about adding fruits. Mango or pineapple adds sweetness. If you like heat, add jalapeños or a spicy sauce. You can also explore international flavors. Use a touch of soy sauce for an Asian twist, or try a Caribbean spice mix for a vibrant kick. Choosing the right tortilla can change your taco game. Corn tortillas are classic and gluten-free. They hold the flavors well. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. If you need gluten-free, look for brands that offer that. Just warm them up before you fill them, and you have a great base for your tacos. To keep your shrimp tacos fresh, store them right. Place leftover tacos in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. If you have leftover shrimp, store it separately from the tortillas and toppings. I recommend using glass containers. They do not absorb odors and keep food fresh. When reheating shrimp tacos, avoid the microwave if possible. Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil to keep the shrimp moist. Gently heat the shrimp until warm. For tortillas, warm them in the skillet for a few seconds on each side. This will bring back their softness. You can also refresh toppings like avocado by slicing fresh pieces before serving. You can freeze shrimp before cooking. Place the marinated shrimp in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tightly. This keeps the shrimp safe for a few months. To use, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. For assembled tacos, freezing is less ideal. The tortillas and toppings may become soggy. If you must freeze, keep each component separate. Reheat the shrimp and warm fresh tortillas when ready to eat. You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. As they cook, they curl slightly and lose their translucent look. If you see a nice pink color, they are ready. Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Marinate the shrimp 15-20 minutes before cooking. You can also warm the tortillas in advance. Store them in a covered dish to keep warm. If you want to make the tacos later, keep the shrimp and toppings separate in the fridge. Popular toppings include: - Avocado slices - Shredded red cabbage - Fresh cilantro - Sour cream or Greek yogurt - Lime wedges for extra zest Feel free to mix and match your favorites! Yes, these tacos are a healthy option. Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein. They also have good fats. The fresh veggies add fiber and nutrients. Just watch the amount of sour cream if you're counting calories. Enjoy a tasty meal that’s good for you! Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are easy to make and full of flavor. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and storage ideas. These tacos are perfect for any meal or occasion. You can try different proteins or toppings to match your taste. Don’t forget the fresh ingredients for the best results. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family with this vibrant dish!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Delicious shrimp tacos with a zesty cilantro lime flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 limes Zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated.
  • Let the mixture marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
  • While the shrimp is cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave until they are pliable.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with slices of avocado, a handful of shredded red cabbage, and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top of each taco for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve the tacos on a large platter with lime wedges on the side for squeezing and a sprinkle of additional cilantro for garnish.
Keyword cilantro, lime, shrimp, tacos