Description

A quick, spicy, and affordable weeknight dinner featuring blackened shrimp, creamy avocado lime sauce, and warm tortillas, costing under $4 per serving.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz frozen peeled and deveined shrimp (approx. 20–25 count)
1 tbsp paprika (smoked or regular)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
1/2 tsp salt
1 medium ripe avocado
1 large lime (juiced)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
6 small flour tortillas
2 tbsp butter or neutral oil

Instructions

Thaw frozen shrimp under cold water for 5 minutes, then pat completely dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss the dried shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the blackening spice blend. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until mostly smooth. Mix in the lime juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust lime if needed.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter or oil and wait until shimmering.
Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for 2 minutes until edges turn opaque and spice darkens.
Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat immediately.
In the same skillet, warm tortillas for 30 seconds on each side. Stack and cover with a towel to keep warm.
Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas, topping with avocado lime sauce, and adding an extra squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp. Blackening spice burns easily, so keep heat at medium-high, not high. Avocado sauce is best made fresh but can be stored with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco with toppings
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 450
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18

Keywords: budget dinner, blackened shrimp, shrimp tacos, avocado lime sauce, quick meals, cheap dinner, seafood tacos, weeknight dinner