Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Cilantro Lime Cream Recipe
These quick and flavorful Shrimp Tacos combine perfectly seasoned sautéed shrimp with a fresh avocado salsa and a tangy cilantro lime sour cream sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make a vibrant and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade and Cooking
- 1 pound (about 25) medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Squeeze of lime (optional)
Avocado Salsa
- 1 tomato (seeded and chopped)
- 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
- 1 jalapeno (seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from half a lime)
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves (coarsely chopped)
Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Tortillas and Serving
- 8 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas can also be used)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder (if using), and kosher salt. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and toss thoroughly to coat all shrimp with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large heavy-duty or cast iron skillet over high heat for about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook over medium-high heat until shrimp are pink and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes, turning once halfway through. Turn off the heat and finish the shrimp with an optional squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Prepare the Avocado Salsa: In a small bowl, combine the chopped tomato, avocado chunks, seeded and chopped jalapeno, salt, black pepper, fresh lime juice, and coarsely chopped cilantro. Gently stir to mix all ingredients evenly. If you are not serving immediately, cover the salsa tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent discoloration, and refrigerate.
- Mix the Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Sauce: Stir together the sour cream, finely chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside for topping the tacos.
- Warm and Char the Tortillas (Optional): For added flavor, heat tortillas by grilling them directly over a stovetop flame using tongs until lightly charred on both sides. This step is optional but lends a smoky aroma and texture.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon generous amounts of the prepared avocado salsa onto each warm tortilla. Top each with three cooked shrimp, then drizzle with the cilantro lime sour cream sauce. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy your fresh, vibrant shrimp tacos!
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp overnight enhances the flavor but a minimum of 10 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Using heavy-duty or cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and nice sear on the shrimp.
- For gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- The avocado salsa can be made ahead and stored properly to prevent browning.
- Grilling tortillas over an open flame is optional but adds a delicious smoky flavor.
- Lime wedges served alongside the tacos add freshness and acidity that balances the richness of shrimp and sour cream.
Keywords: shrimp tacos, avocado salsa, cilantro lime sour cream, Mexican seafood recipe, quick dinner, sautéed shrimp, fresh salsa tacos