• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Seafood

Published: Jul 30, 2022 · Modified: Apr 25, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

Jump to Recipe

These chili lime shrimp tacos are cooked in a flavorful chili and lime marinade, then wrapped up in warm tortillas with avocado, our Easy Pico de Gallo, and easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole.

sauteed shrimp tacos with limes.

So yummy – you’ll love them! Top off the meal with a Mango Sorbet and you have a delicious meal your family will rave about.

Why you will love this recipe

This recipe for chili lime shrimp tacos is super simple to follow and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You also have the option to grill the shrimp on skewers instead of stove top skillet browning.

Plus, the flavors are amazing - chili and lime go so well together.

Jump to:
  • Why you will love this recipe
  • Ingredients For Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
  • How to make shrimp tacos
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Related Recipes
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Storage
  • Tips for Success
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Food safety
  • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
  • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
  • 📖 Recipe

Ingredients For Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

You can use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp when making this chili lime shrimp tacos recipe. When using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw, rinse, and pat dry before using.

  • Extra Large Shrimp - look for the bag to say 16 - 20 shrimp per lb.
  • Lime juice - Fresh squeezed.
  • Lime zest - zest the lime first, then juice it for the recipe.
  • Chili powder - See our Best Chili Seasoning recipe.
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Honey
  • Salt
  • Pepper

PRO TIP: Pop the limes in the microwave for 30 seconds, then press down and roll on the counter to loosen up so you get a lot more of the juice.

raw shrimp, spices, honey, and limes on the counter.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Choosing Shrimp by the Pound

Shrimp are sold at the seafood counter by approximate number per pound. Since size designation has not been standardized, it's best to use the count per pound method to act as your guide for size.

The fewer the shrimp per pound, the larger the shrimp are. Larger shrimp can be labeled as U 10 meaning under 10 shrimps per pound. These are sometimes labeled as "Colossal" also. As a rule of thumb the following is a guide:

  • Colossal - under 10 per lb
  • Jumbo - 11 to 15 per lb
  • Extra Large - 16 to 10 per lb
  • Large - 21 - 30 per lb
  • Medium - 31 - 35 per lb
  • Small - 36 -45 per lb
  • Mini or Salad shrimp - is anything smaller.

How to make shrimp tacos

You can prepare these shrimp with the seasoning in a Ziploc bag up to 24 hours before cooking. Below we are seasoning in the skillet.

Season the shrimp

  1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in your skillet. Add your raw shrimp, peeled or unpeeled, your preference.

    Toss in the dry seasonings and saute on medium heat. They will start to turn pink.
raw seasoned shrimp in a skillet.

Cook the shrimp

  1. As they start turning pink, add the lime juice, lime zest, and the honey. Raise the heat so they brown on some edges as they turn pink.

    Be careful to not overcook. Large or Colossal shrimp only need about 5 minutes cooking time total. So you will be working fast.
cooked seasoned shrimp in a skillet.

Platter and Serve

  1. Alternatively, you can thread them on skewers and throw them on your hot outdoor grill, or broil in your stove.

  2. After cooking, place the chili lime kabobs or loose shrimp in a serving dish.

  3. Place on your table with hot steamed corn or flour tortillas with some of our homemade Pico de Gallo. Let your guests build their own tacos or wraps.

Whether you serve these as tacos, skewers, or in a bowl, these savory flavor filled shrimp make delicious a delicious meal!

platter of grilled shrimp skewers and plate of shrimp tacos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chili lime marinated shrimp with warm corn or flour tortillas, fresh lime wedges, Easy Pico de Gallo, Gucamole, or top with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw.

As noted above, and alternative cooking method is to skewer the shrimp and grill them as kabobs. Simply lay the skewers on a platter for your guest to enjoy.

skewers of grilled shrimp.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Related Recipes

  • Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
  • Air Fryer Frozen Coconut Shrimp
  • Easy Pico de Gallo
  • Mexican Fajita Seasoning
  • Chicken Taco Seasoning
  • Chili's Steak Fajitas

Substitutions and Variations

A few great variations for this chili lime shrimp tacos recipe are:

  • Chili Lime Salad - lay the hot shrimp on a bed of fresh lettuces and top with sliced avocados, salsa, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.

  • Mahi Mahi Tacos - Replace the shrimp in this recipe with chunks of Mahi Mahi.

  • Steak Tacos - This flavorful marinade is amazing with beef also. Just slice up a steak and lightly sear the strips in the skillet and serve as either tacos or salad!

Storage

Store any left overs in a covered container in your fridge or freezer. You can keep them in the refrigerator for 3 days, in the freezer for up to a month.

Tips for Success

If possible, marinate your shrimps in the marinade ingredients for at least an hour before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chipotle chili powder in this chili lime shrimp tacos recipe?

You can. If you want a little more heat, chipotle is amazing! They are smoked, dried jalapenos, so they really pack a flavor punch.

Can I freeze these shrimp?

This recipe is easy to freeze. Use caution reheating shrimp as the microwave and quickly over cook and make them tough. Let the frozen shrimp fully thaw, then just warm on the stove top for best results.

Food safety

  • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

  • southwest chicken tortilla soup in a bowl with shredded cheese on top.
    Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • chorizo and refried black beans with avocado and sour cream garnish.
    Chorizo Beans (Frijoles con Chorizo)
  • crockpot mexican shredded beef for torta.
    Crockpot Mexican Shredded Beef Torta
  • Juicy Mexican pickled red onion marinated in lemon juice on a light background.
    Mexican Pickled Red Onions

Connect with Smells Like Delish!

  • Instagram
  • Yummly
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

📖 Recipe

shrimp tacos with cilantro.
Print Recipe SaveSaved!
5 from 2 votes

Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

These chili lime shrimp tacos are cooked in a flavorful chili and lime marinade, then wrapped up in warm tortillas with avocado, our Easy Pico de Gallo, and easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Marinating1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 205kcal
Author: Kelly Bloom

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup lime juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs Large Shrimp (21 - 30 count per lb)
  • chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Marinade

  • If marinating ahead of time, mix 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the lime juice, lime zest, chili lime seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the honey in a ziplock bag. Add the shrimp and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

To Cook the Marinated Shrimp

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a skillet.
  • If using marinated shrimp, drain them and pat them dry. Cook quickly for about 5 minutes until pink. Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas.
    2 lbs Large Shrimp

If using fresh unmarinated shrimp

  • If using fresh raw shrimp that has not been marinated, rinse and pat dry.
    2 lbs Large Shrimp
  • Toss the shrimp in the hot skillet, following with the lime zest, chili lime seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    1 tablespoon lime zest, 1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • After the shrimp start to turn pink, add the honey, lime zest and lime juice. Raise the heat a little to get a little sear on the edges, being careful not to over cook. Max cooking time will be about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Serve hot with steamed corn or flour tortillas.

Notes

  • If possible, marinate your shrimps in the marinade ingredients for at least an hour before cooking.
  • If not marinating your shrimp, just saute with they dry seasonings, then add the lime juice, zest, and honey last.
  • You can also thread the marinated shrimp on skewers and grill on your barbecue grill!

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 862mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 459IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword : chili lime shrimp, chili lime shrimp tacos, lime shrimp tacos, shrimp kabobs oven

More Seafood Recipes

  • baking tray with roasted seasoned asparagus spears, sliced lemons, blistered tomatoes, and broiled Coho salmon.
    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
  • pasta tossed with cream sauce, shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach.
    Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
  • filets of blackened grouper with mango salsa garnish.
    Blackened Grouper with Mango Salsa
  • plate of seared scallops garnished with chopped parsley.
    Garlic Butter Cast Iron Scallops

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Author photo for Kelly Bloom

Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and ease of preparation - to create satisfying fare!

More about me →

Grilling

  • wide mouth spice storage jar on it's side spilling out dry turkey rub seasoning blend.
    Smoked Turkey Rub
  • pineapple mango salsa.
    33 Most Popular Condiments For Cookouts
  • barbeque ribs on white paper with orange basting brush with barbecue sauce on it
    22 Secret Grill Master Traeger Recipes
  • serving plate with corn on the cob and sliced beef.
    Balsamic Grilled Sirloin Steak
See more Grilling →

Trending

  • cracker barrel chicken and dumplings in a bowl.
    Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
  • cut loaf of herb bread on cutting board.
    Twisted Garlic Herb Bread
  • plate of salmon and asparagus on a white background.
    Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
  • white platter of bbq boneless pork ribs with asparagus on white plate.
    Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs
See more Reader Favorites →

Recent Recipes

  • slow cooker vegetable soup in a serving bowl.
    Easy Crockpot Vegetable Soup
  • two blueberry lemon bars stacked on a plate.
    Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake Bars
  • cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices.
    37 Fall Oktoberfest Celebration Recipes
  • baked sausage filled crescent roll appetizers.
    Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
See more All-Recipes Index →

Desserts

  • plate of chocolate no bake preacher cookies.
    Preacher Cookies (Cow Chip Cookies)
  • baked apples with walnuts and cranberries.
    Crockpot Cranberry Stuffed Apples
  • Cinnamon buttercream on an apple spice cupcake.
    Apple Cider Cupcakes
  • one cinnamon apple rolls on a serving plate.
    Cinnamon Apple Rolls
See more Desserts →

Salads

  • blueberry kale crunch salad in a bowl with feta cheese crumbled on top.
    Blueberry Kale Crunch Salad
  • Serving bowl of wild rice salad on a white background with apples and olive oil nearby.
    Cold Wild Rice Apple Salad
  • cranberry pecan chicken salad in pita pockets on a plate with a dill pickle.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
  • Panera's strawberry poppy seed salad.
    Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera)
See more Salads →

Footer

↑ back to top

ABOUT

  • Home
  • About Kelly
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Newsletter
  • Web Stories

RECIPES

  • Holiday Recipes
  • Casseroles
  • One Pot Meals
  • Sheet Pan Meals
  • Condiments
  • Charcuterie
  • Pantry & Preserving
  • Recipe Collections

TOOLS & TIPS

  • Reader Fav's
  • Cheap Meals Ideas
  • Cooking Basics
  • Diet Friendly
  • Seasonings
  • Shop Our Kitchen
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Mastodon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Smells Like Delish · All Right Reserved ·
2850 Northwest Bucklin Hill Rd. Silverdale, WA 98383 · Sitemap