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Easy One-Pan Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

one-pan cilantro lime shrimp tacos - featured image

A quick and delicious recipe featuring shrimp marinated in cilantro lime with a smoky chili spice, cooked in one pan and served with a tangy lime crema and crunchy cabbage in warm tortillas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced red onion, jalapeño slices, crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until shrimp are evenly coated. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), honey, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Stir until smooth. Adjust sweetness or lime juice to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.
  4. Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred around edges. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and juicy. Avoid overcooking.
  5. While shrimp cooks, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing a few shrimp on each tortilla, topping with sliced red cabbage, and drizzling generously with cilantro lime crema. Add optional toppings if desired.
  7. Serve immediately while shrimp are warm and tortillas are soft but not soggy.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before marinating to get a better sear. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure shrimp cook evenly and develop a crust. Warm tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep them pliable. Marinate shrimp for 5-10 minutes but no longer than 15 to avoid mushy texture. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Corn tortillas keep the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, cilantro lime shrimp, quick dinner, one-pan meal, easy tacos, gluten-free tacos, weeknight dinner, seafood tacos