Description

These Flavorful Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are a quick and delicious meal featuring juicy shrimp marinated with garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, then cooked to perfection and tossed in fresh lime juice and cilantro. Served on warm tortillas with crunchy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a dollop of sour cream, these tacos deliver a vibrant and satisfying flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Tortillas and Toppings

8 small corn or flour tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Sour cream

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Instructions

Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until each shrimp is evenly coated with the marinade.
Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, ensuring they are juicy and flavorful.
Add lime and cilantro: Once cooked, squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the shrimp. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top, and gently toss to combine the bright and fresh flavors evenly.
Warm the tortillas: Prepare the tortillas by warming them according to the package instructions, either on a dry skillet or in the microwave, to make them pliable and warm for assembly.
Assemble the tacos: Place a portion of the cilantro lime shrimp onto each warm tortilla, spreading the shrimp evenly to balance flavors.
Add toppings: Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, slices of avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and texture contrast.
Serve immediately: Serve the cilantro lime shrimp tacos right away while the shrimp and tortillas are warm and fresh for the best taste experience.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant flavor.
Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder to your taste.
For a gluten-free version, choose corn tortillas.
If preferred, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter topping.
Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.