If you are craving a vibrant and fresh meal that bursts with flavor in every bite, look no further than this Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe. Combining perfectly seasoned, smoky grilled shrimp with a creamy, zesty avocado salsa, these tacos are an absolute crowd-pleaser that feel both indulgent and light. The blend of textures—from tender shrimp to smooth avocado and crisp cilantro—makes this dish irresistibly satisfying and makes for a flawless quick dinner or weekend gathering treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each component brings something special to the table, whether it’s the zing of lime juice, the earthiness of cumin, or the creamy richness of ripe avocado.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, providing a tender, juicy bite that grills beautifully.
- 8 corn tortillas: A naturally gluten-free base with a mild sweetness that perfectly wraps the fillings.
- 2 ripe avocados: Creamy and buttery, they balance the shrimp’s smoky flavor with lush texture.
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice: This zesty citrus kick marinates the shrimp and brightens the avocado salsa.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with grilled seafood.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Letting the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes allows these flavors to seep in, giving each bite a vibrant zing that really makes the grilling step shine.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Salsa
While the shrimp is soaking in those lovely marinades, dice your ripe avocados and combine them with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This simple salsa is creamy yet bright and fresh, a perfect cooling counterpart to the smoky shrimp.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill going on medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). A hot grill is essential for achieving those classic grill marks and quickly cooking the shrimp so they stay tender and juicy.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and become opaque. Grilling shrimp only takes minutes, so stay attentive to avoid overcooking them.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp cooks, warm up your corn tortillas on the grill for approximately 30 seconds on each side. This makes the tortillas pliable and adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the shrimp.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
To build your tacos, lay out the warm tortillas and top each with a generous portion of grilled shrimp, then crown them with a scoop of the creamy avocado salsa. The contrast between the warm, smoky shrimp and the cool, creamy salsa is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your tacos even more, add crunchy garnishes like thinly sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese. A few fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of extra lime juice can brighten each bite and make your tacos look as vibrant as they taste.
Side Dishes
These tacos shine alongside classic Mexican sides such as Mexican street corn (elote), black bean salad, or a simple quinoa lime salad. The key is to choose sides that complement the freshness and smoky notes of the tacos without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve these tacos family-style with all toppings laid out buffet-style so everyone can assemble their own. Alternatively, use small appetizer plates and create mini taco portions for a festive party spread that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled shrimp separately from the avocado salsa and tortillas to maintain the best texture. Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While shrimp freezes well on its own, it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled tacos or avocado salsa, as the texture can suffer. Instead, freeze any extra marinated shrimp uncooked and thaw it before grilling for another delicious meal.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave separately. Avoid reheating the avocado salsa; instead, prepare a fresh batch as needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture that can interfere with grilling.
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are a great alternative if you prefer a softer or larger wrap. Lettuce leaves work wonderfully for a low-carb option, adding a nice crunch.
How spicy is this Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe?
This recipe is mild by nature, but feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up according to your preference.
Can I prepare the avocado salsa in advance?
Yes, but avocado salsa is best when fresh. If you must prepare it ahead, store it tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning and refrigerate.
What drink pairs well with these tacos?
A crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican beer complements the flavors beautifully. Fresh lime agua fresca is another refreshing, non-alcoholic choice.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe offers a perfect harmony of smoky, zesty, and creamy flavors that come together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a quick and flavorful meal featuring juicy, marinated shrimp grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh and creamy avocado salsa. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, these tacos combine zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and tender shrimp wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a delicious taste of summer.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt to taste
Additional
- 8 corn tortillas
- Optional: diced onions for avocado salsa
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa: Dice the ripe avocados and mix them in a bowl with fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and optional diced onions until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C), to ensure a nice sear on the shrimp.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Warm Tortillas: While the shrimp grill, place the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds each side until they become pliable and lightly charred.
- Assemble Tacos: Lay warm tortillas flat, arrange the grilled shrimp on top, and generously spoon the avocado salsa over the shrimp. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can add diced onions or jalapeños to the avocado salsa for extra flavor and spice.
- If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can be cooked on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- To keep tortillas warm before serving, wrap them in a clean towel.
- For a low-carb version, use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
- Make sure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain their tender texture.
