Zesty Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Crema Recipe

Zesty chili lime shrimp tacos promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crisp tortillas cradle succulent seafood marinated in bright, tangy seasonings.

Spicy jalapeño crema adds a creamy, cool counterpoint to the bold shrimp.

Fresh ingredients come together in a quick, mouthwatering meal that screams summer.

Colorful toppings and vibrant garnishes transform these tacos from simple to spectacular.

Southwest-inspired textures and zingy notes guarantee a dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

Dive into this recipe and let the culinary adventure begin!

Why Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos Are Packed With Zing

• Boost Flavor Fast: Creates a zesty marinade that transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering meal with bold chili and lime notes.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like protein or adding extra toppings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Delivers restaurant-quality tacos in minimal preparation time, perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Balanced Nutrition Punch: Combines protein-rich shrimp, creamy avocado crema, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying and nutritionally diverse meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.

What You’ll Need For Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein for these zesty tacos.

• Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spicy and tangy blend that infuses the shrimp with bold flavors.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional base that serves as the foundation for the taco.

• Greek Yogurt, Heavy Cream: Creamy base that creates a smooth and rich sauce.
• Avocado, Jalapeno: Fresh ingredients that add creaminess and spicy kick to the crema.
• Lime Juice, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the crema's overall flavor profile.

• Mixed Salad Greens, Red Onion, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that add texture, crunch, and brightness to the tacos.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and creating a perfect sear.

How To Make Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos Fast

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

Combine lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients until they create a vibrant, tangy mixture that will make your shrimp sing with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate Shrimp

Drop peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade. Gently toss to ensure each shrimp gets a full flavor bath. Let them sit and soak up the delicious spices for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Avocado Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Heavy cream
• Ripe avocado
• Jalapeno
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and wonderfully creamy.

Step 4: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering and hot. Carefully place marinated shrimp in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and develop a slight charred edge.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame. Give each side about 30 seconds to become warm and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

• Mixed salad greens
• Diced red onion
• Chopped cilantro

Step 7: Final Flourish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos. Sprinkle additional cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these gorgeous tacos immediately while the shrimp are still warm and the tortillas are soft and inviting. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Top Tips For Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

• Marinate with Precision: Let shrimp absorb marinade for exactly 15-20 minutes to ensure maximum flavor infusion without breaking down protein texture.
• Quick Char for Perfect Shrimp: Cook shrimp over medium-high heat just until pink and slightly charred to maintain tender, juicy interior without overcooking.
• Creamy Crema Balance: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference, starting with half the amount and tasting before adding more for controlled spiciness.
• Tortilla Temperature Trick: Warm tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility and release authentic corn aroma, preventing cracking during taco assembly.
• Fresh Garnish Strategy: Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving to preserve bright, zesty flavors and maintain crisp salad green texture.

Fresh Twists For Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

• Grilled Shrimp Street Taco Style: Replace skillet cooking with outdoor grill for smoky flavor, add pickled red onions and street corn salsa for authentic Mexican street food experience.
• Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Taco: Swap chili powder with jerk seasoning, use coconut cream in crema, add mango salsa for tropical punch and replace corn tortillas with flour tortillas.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Taco: Use oregano and za'atar instead of chili powder, substitute crema with tzatziki sauce, top with cucumber and mint for refreshing Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Korean Fusion Taco: Marinate shrimp in gochujang and soy sauce, create gochujang-avocado crema, garnish with kimchi and green onions for bold Korean-inspired flavors.

What To Serve With Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

• Spice Up Your Sips: Craft Beverage Pairings for Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
• Crack Open a Crisp Mexican Lager: Light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cuts through the spicy shrimp and complements the zesty lime notes, creating a balanced flavor harmony.
• Mix a Citrus-Infused Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave for a bright cocktail that echoes the taco's chili and lime marinade, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Pour Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine with herbaceous and citrus undertones beautifully matches the seafood's delicate flavor and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the spicy jalapeño crema.
• Serve Sparkling Cucumber Water

How To Store Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate cooked shrimp from tortillas and crema to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Transfer remaining avocado jalapeno crema into a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before use.
• Keep tortillas in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. Store marinated shrimp and crema in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator to preserve individual flavors and prevent cross-contamination.
• Warm refrigerated shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

Questions About Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos With Avocado Jalapeno Crema

• How spicy are these tacos?

The heat level depends on the jalapeno used. Remove seeds for milder crema or keep them for extra kick. Chili powder adds moderate warmth without overwhelming spiciness.

• Can I use different proteins instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, fish like tilapia, or even tofu work great with this marinade. Adjust cooking time based on the protein you choose.

• Is the avocado jalapeno crema authentic?

While not traditional, this creamy sauce combines Mexican and Tex-Mex flavor profiles. It adds richness and balanced heat that complements the chili lime shrimp perfectly.

• What if I don't have fresh lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.

Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Jalapeno Crema Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25-32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty chili lime shrimp tacos dance with Mexican-inspired flavors, bringing spicy seafood magic to your dinner table. Creamy avocado jalapeño crema adds cool complexity, making each bite a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning and Marinade:

• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Taco Components:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 cup mixed salad greens

Crema Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 avocado
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Whisk lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade for the shrimp.
2. Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.
3. Prepare the avocado jalapeno crema by blending greek yogurt, heavy cream, avocado, jalapeno, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Cook marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char, then remove from heat.
6. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds on each side.
7. Assemble tacos by spreading a generous layer of avocado jalapeno crema on each tortilla.
8. Top with cooked shrimp, mixed salad greens, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
9. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and additional cilantro garnish.
10. Serve immediately while shrimp and tortillas are still warm.

Notes

• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding cayenne for extra heat.
• Swap greek yogurt with sour cream or vegan alternatives like cashew cream for dietary preferences.
• Marinate shrimp for maximum 20 minutes to prevent texture breakdown from acid in lime juice.
• Quickly sear shrimp on high heat to maintain juicy texture and prevent rubbery consistency.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg