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- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 garlic clove, minced - Salt and pepper to taste The shrimp are the star here. When choosing shrimp, look for fresh, firm ones. You can also use frozen shrimp, but thaw them properly before cooking. Olive oil adds richness and helps the shrimp grill well. Lime juice and zest bring bright flavor, while chili powder adds a nice kick. Cumin gives warmth, and garlic enhances the taste. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. - 8 small corn or flour tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish The tortillas hold the shrimp and toppings together. Corn tortillas add a nice texture, while flour ones are softer. Red cabbage adds crunch and color. Avocado brings creaminess, and fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. These toppings balance the spice from the shrimp perfectly. - Lime wedges for serving - Additional garnishes, if desired Serve your tacos with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens every bite. You can also add extra garnishes like salsa or hot sauce if you like some heat. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a mixing bowl. In it, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice, and zest of 2 limes. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Then, include 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it all well. This marinade brings great flavor to the shrimp. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until they are well-coated. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This marination time is key. It helps the shrimp absorb all those tasty flavors. Now, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the shrimp on the grill. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn opaque and have slight char marks. Remove them from the heat when done. While the shrimp cooks, warm 8 small corn or flour tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. This step makes them soft and easy to fold. Now, layer your tacos! Start with some shredded red cabbage on each tortilla. Then, add a few grilled shrimp and slices of avocado. Top it off with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for extra zest. Enjoy! To get a perfect char on shrimp, start with fresh shrimp. You want medium-sized shrimp, about 1 pound. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. When your grill is hot, place the shrimp on it. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should turn opaque and have nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them; they cook fast! Warm tortillas before filling them. This makes them soft and easy to fold. You can warm them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. If you prefer, you can also use a skillet over medium heat. Just warm them until they are flexible. Using small corn or flour tortillas is best. They hold the filling well and let you enjoy every bite. For extra taste, add toppings like sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream. Try adding diced tomatoes or a sprinkle of feta cheese. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for added zing. Fresh cilantro adds freshness, too. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the delicious spices and citrus flavors. Grill Temperature Matters: Ensure your grill is preheated properly. A hot grill will give the shrimp a nice char and prevent them from sticking. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh limes and cilantro for the best flavor. Fresh herbs and citrus can significantly enhance your dish. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of spicy crema to elevate your tacos! {{image_2}} You can change the shrimp to chicken or fish for a new taste. Grilled scallops also work well. Add more toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or crumbled cheese. Try adding black beans for extra protein and fiber. Fresh mango or pineapple can bring a sweet twist, too. If you want a different flavor, swap chili powder for smoked paprika. This gives a delicious smoky taste. You can mix in some taco seasoning for a fun kick. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some oregano for depth. Each blend can change your taco game! You can serve these tacos as a deconstructed meal. Put the cabbage, shrimp, and toppings on a plate. Let everyone build their own taco. For a salad-style dish, use the same ingredients on a bed of greens. This is fresh and light while keeping all the great flavors. After enjoying your chili lime grilled shrimp tacos, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. It’s best to separate the shrimp from the tortillas and toppings. This keeps everything from getting soggy. Your shrimp will stay tasty for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, do it gently. You want to keep that great flavor. Heat the shrimp in a pan over low heat. Stir often and check that they are warm, but not overcooked. If you warm the tortillas, do it on the grill or in a pan for about 30 seconds per side. This brings back their soft texture. You can freeze the shrimp if you have leftovers. Place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They can stay good for up to three months. However, I do not recommend freezing the assembled tacos. The tortillas will become mushy once thawed. Instead, freeze just the shrimp and reheat when ready to enjoy! You can use fish, chicken, or tofu. Each option brings its own taste. For fish, try firm types like tilapia or cod. If you prefer chicken, use boneless breasts or thighs. Tofu works well for a plant-based option. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on your choice. Yes, you can easily add spice! Use more chili powder or add diced jalapeños. You can also mix in hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more to reach your heat level. Look for shrimp with a shiny look and firm texture. The shells should feel smooth and not sticky. Fresh shrimp will smell like the sea, not fishy. If you buy frozen shrimp, check for ice crystals. This means they may have thawed and refrozen. You learned how to make delicious shrimp tacos. We covered the main ingredients like shrimp, olive oil, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling shrimp. You also got tips for warm tortillas and flavor boosts. Remember, you can customize toppings and even try different proteins. Store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. Enjoy your tasty creation and impress your friends with your skills!

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Delicious grilled shrimp tacos with a zesty chili lime flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 limes juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • fresh cilantro for garnish
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Once hot, grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are opaque and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
  • In the meantime, warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing some shredded red cabbage on each tortilla, followed by a few shrimp, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
Keyword chili lime, grilled, shrimp, tacos