Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are a must for taco night! Juicy, chili-lime shrimp meet a fresh mango avocado salsa, all wrapped in a warm tortilla for an easy weeknight dinner—made in just 30 minutes!

My Tex-Mex loving family will never say no to a taco night—especially when these shrimp tacos are on the menu! The perfect blend of spice, citrus, and creamy textures makes every bite irresistible. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend meal. Whether you’re a taco lover or just looking for a new way to enjoy shrimp, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

These tacos are a great recipe for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even a quick solo meal. And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile—you can customize them with your favorite toppings or make them as spicy or mild as you like!

The Best Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe

A balance of bold, zesty flavors and creamy textures makes this shrimp taco recipe one of the best. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick & Easy: Cook the shrimp in just 2-3 minutes per side and have everything ready in under 30 minutes.
• Fresh Ingredients: Every bite bursts with fresh flavor from lime juice, creamy avocado, and sweet mango.
• Perfect Pairing: The tangy slaw and seasoned shrimp create a mouthwatering contrast of flavors.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, switch up the toppings, or swap tortillas for lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, cook quickly and absorb seasoning well. Fresh is best for juiciness and flavor, but frozen works if thawed properly.

Olive Oil: Helps the shrimp sear beautifully. Substitute with avocado oil if preferred.

Chili Powder & Cumin: Adds smoky warmth and depth of flavor to the shrimp.

Lime Juice: Brightens up the dish and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Fresh Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes to both the shrimp and salsa.

Mango & Avocado: The perfect balance of sweet and creamy for a refreshing salsa that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.

Red Onion: Adds a mild crunch and slightly sweet bite to the salsa.

Corn or Flour Tortillas: Corn offers an authentic touch, while flour is soft and pliable.

Optional Toppings: Sour cream, jalapeños, cotija cheese, hot sauce, shredded cabbage, or extra cilantro to customize your tacos.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Mango Avocado Salsa

While the shrimp marinates, combine mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Stir gently to mix and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm tortillas using your preferred method (stovetop, oven, or microwave). Divide shrimp evenly among the tortillas, then top with mango avocado salsa and additional toppings as desired.

Fire Up the Grill for Even More Flavor! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and have a slight char. Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp before assembling your tacos.

Tips and Substitutions for the Best Shrimp Tacos

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp is the way to go! They are juicier and soak up all the delicious seasoning. They also cook more evenly, giving you that perfect, tender texture every time. If using frozen shrimp, thaw in a bowl of cold water before seasoning.
• Get the Perfect Sear! Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning—this helps achieve a golden, crispy sear instead of a soggy texture.
• Warm the tortillas: This enhances texture and flavor—try charring them over a gas flame for extra smokiness.
• Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the shrimp seasoning or drizzle tacos with hot sauce.
• Forgot to get shrimp?: Swap shrimp for white fish, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
• No Mango? Use pineapple or peaches as a sweet, juicy substitute in the salsa.
• Prep ahead: Make the salsa in advance (without the avocado) and refrigerate until serving time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw them in a bowl of cold water for 10-20 minutes before cooking.

What size shrimp should I buy?

This recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of medium shrimp, typically labeled as 41-50 shrimp per pound. If buying frozen, check the package for the shrimp count per pound to ensure you’re getting the right size. Large shrimp (31-40 per pound) may need an extra minute per side, while small shrimp (51-60 per pound) cook faster.  Frozen shrimp bags come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to scale the marinade accordingly if you use more or less than 1.5 lbs of shrimp to keep the flavors balanced.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well, but they offer different flavors and textures. Corn tortillas have a nutty, slightly sweet taste with an authentic touch, though they can be more fragile. Flour tortillas are softer, more flexible, and have a mild, slightly buttery flavor. The best choice comes down to personal taste and the texture you prefer.

What sides go well with shrimp tacos?

Pair these shrimp tacos with flavorful sides like Mexican rice, black beans, refried beans, grilled corn, or a refreshing cabbage slaw for a well-rounded meal. If you’re looking for recipes, try my Mexican Cauliflower Rice, Mexican Black Beans, and Elote Corn on the Cob for the perfect accompaniment.

How to Store Leftovers

Store cooked shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat shrimp in a skillet for 1-2 minutes before serving.

More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love

• Shrimp Stir Fry with Lemon and Ginger
• Shrimp Lo Mein
• Crunchy Coconut Shrimp
• Shrimp and Rice Bowl

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