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Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Cilantro lime shrimp tacos with tender pink shrimp and vibrant green cilantro, finished with bright lime juice for a fresh, zesty bite. Quick skillet-cooked shrimp paired with warm corn tortillas, purple cabbage crunch, and creamy crema.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cilantro lime shrimp
  • 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 limes juiced
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
Toppings
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 2 avocado sliced (about 1/2 per taco)
  • crema or sour cream

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Make the cilantro lime shrimp coating
  1. Combine olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic cloves, lime juice, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until the mixture looks evenly green and fragrant.
  2. Add peeled and deveined large shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the shrimp sit while you heat the skillet.
Cook shrimp
  1. Heat a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through, flipping once.
Warm tortillas and assemble tacos
  1. Warm corn tortillas on the stovetop for about 30 seconds per side. Stack them in a clean towel as you work.
  2. Fill each tortilla with cilantro lime shrimp, shredded purple cabbage, and sliced avocado. Drizzle with crema or sour cream and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro tip: don’t overcook—pull the shrimp as soon as they turn fully pink so they stay tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days; rewarm shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a dairy-light option, use crema made with light sour cream or swap for plain Greek yogurt.