Chili Lime Shrimp Tortillas

Servings: 4 Total Time: 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Quick, flavorful shrimp tortillas with chili, lime, and a creamy chipotle kick
Hand holding up a chili lime shrimp taco, showing the shrimp, sauce, guacamole, and cilantro inside a lightly toasted corn tortilla.

Sometimes I just want something QUICK and EASY that still feels like I actually put effort into dinner. These chili lime shrimp tortillas are exactly that.

The shrimp come out so juicy with the perfect mix of spicy and tangy, and they cook super fast which is honestly a lifesaver on busy nights.

I usually make a simple guac to go with them, warm up a few tortillas, and that’s it. Dinner’s done in like twenty minutes and it tastes so fresh and flavorful every single time.

This is one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially when I don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want something good for me and my family.

It’s just so easy and always hits the spot.

Why This Recipe Stays on Repeat in My Kitchen

I love this recipe so much because it’s the kind of meal that feels effortless but still delivers on flavor.

The chili and lime bring out the best in the shrimp and everything comes together so fast without making a mess in the kitchen.

It’s fresh, a little spicy, and always hits the spot.

My family loves it just as much as I do. Every time I make it, they’re already hovering around the kitchen waiting to grab a tortilla.

It’s one of those meals we all get excited about, even though I’ve made it a bunch of times. That’s how I know it’s a keeper.

Close-up of chili lime shrimp tortillas topped with guacamole, creamy chipotle sauce, and fresh cilantro, served with lime wedges on parchment paper.

How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp Tortillas Step by Step

Step 1: Season the shrimp

  • Add shrimp to a bowl
  • Sprinkle in chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add lime zest and juice. Drizzle in olive oil
  • Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated
  • Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the other stuff
Raw shrimp coated in chili lime seasoning sitting in a stainless steel bowl before cooking.

Step 2: Make the guacamole

  • Mash ripe avocado in a small bowl
  • Squeeze in fresh lime juice. Add a pinch of salt. Stir in chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and diced onion
  • Mix until combined and creamy
Fresh homemade guacamole in a white bowl, made with mashed avocado, tomato, onion, and cilantro.

Step 3: Mix the creamy chipotle lime sauce

  • In another bowl, add mayo. Stir in 1–2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • Add fresh lime juice and a little garlic powder
  • Mix in a touch of honey to balance the heat. Add salt to taste and stir until smooth
Creamy chipotle lime sauce in a metal mixing bowl with a spoon resting inside.

Step 4: Cook the shrimp

  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat
  • Add the shrimp in a single layer
  • Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and slightly charred
  • Remove from heat and set aside
Chili lime shrimp cooking in a white skillet, slightly charred and caramelized on the surface.

Step 5: Assemble the tortillas

  • Warm your tortillas on a pan or directly over the flame for a few seconds
  • Spread a spoonful of guac on each tortilla. Add a few shrimp on top. Drizzle with creamy chipotle lime sauce
  • Top with extra cilantro, onions, or anything else you love
Overhead shot of four chili lime shrimp tortillas arranged on a tray with lime wedges, guacamole, creamy chipotle sauce, and fresh cilantro.

FAQs About This Recipe

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yep, I do it all the time. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. If they’re too wet, they won’t get that nice sear and can turn out kind of soggy. Dry shrimp = better flavor.

2. How spicy is the creamy chipotle lime sauce?

It depends on how many chipotle peppers you use. One gives you that smoky kick without being too much, but if you go for two, it definitely brings the heat. I always add a little honey to balance it out because it makes the sauce smoother and not too intense.

3. What kind of tortillas work best?

I use corn tortillas for this and honestly, they just hit different. They bring that warm, slightly toasty flavor that goes so well with the chili lime shrimp. I always warm them up in a pan or over the flame for a few seconds so they’re soft and don’t fall apart when you fold them. It makes a big difference.

4. Can I prep anything ahead of time?

For sure. I usually make the guac and chipotle sauce earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge. You can also season the shrimp ahead of time so all you have to do is cook them when you’re ready. Makes things way easier, especially if you’re trying to get dinner done fast.

5. What toppings go well with this?

You can keep it super simple with just the shrimp, guac, and sauce, but I love adding extras like shredded cabbage, pickled onions, or even a little cotija cheese if I have it. It adds crunch and a bit of extra flavor without doing too much.

Hand holding up a chili lime shrimp taco, showing the shrimp, sauce, guacamole, and cilantro inside a lightly toasted corn tortilla.

Chili Lime Shrimp Tortillas

This chili lime shrimp tortillas recipe is one of my go-tos for busy nights. It's quick, super flavorful, and always a hit with my family. From the tangy shrimp to the creamy chipotle sauce and fresh guac, every bite tastes like something special without all the effort.

Hand holding up a chili lime shrimp taco, showing the shrimp, sauce, guacamole, and cilantro inside a lightly toasted corn tortilla.
Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Calories: 350 kcal per serving Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Summer

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Shrimp Seasoning:

Guacamole mix:

Creamy Chipotle Lime Sauce:

For Serving:

Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp
    • Add shrimp to a bowl

    • Sprinkle in chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper

    • Add lime zest and juice from a wedge, then drizzle in olive oil

    • Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated

    • Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest

  1. Make the guacamole
    • Mash ripe avocado in a small bowl

    • Squeeze in fresh lime juice and add a pinch of salt

    • Stir in chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and diced onion

    • Mix until creamy and combined

  1. Mix the creamy chipotle lime sauce
    • In another bowl, add mayo

    • Stir in 1–2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

    • Add lime juice and garlic powder

    • Mix in a bit of honey to balance the heat

    • Add salt to taste and stir until smooth

  1. Cook the shrimp
    • Heat a pan over medium-high heat

    • Add shrimp in a single layer

    • Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and slightly charred

    • Remove from heat and set aside

  1. Assemble the tortillas
    • Warm tortillas on a pan or over the flame for a few seconds

    • Spread guac on each tortilla

    • Top with shrimp and drizzle with the chipotle lime sauce

    • Add extra toppings like cilantro or onions if you want

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 150mg50%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 380mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 2g
Protein 25g50%

Vitamin A 500 IU
Vitamin C 10 mg
Calcium 60 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin E 2 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Let the shrimp sit in the seasoning for at least 10 minutes so it really soaks up all that chili lime flavor
  • If your tortillas feel stiff or crack when folding, warm them a bit longer until they’re soft and easy to work with
  • The chipotle sauce is even better the next day and lasts a few days in the fridge
  • You can use any leftover sauce on tacos, sandwiches, bowls, or grilled veggies
  • This recipe is super easy to double if you're feeding more people or want extra for lunch tomorrow
Keywords: chili lime shrimp tortillas, shrimp tacos, easy shrimp dinner, quick shrimp recipe, tortilla dinner, chipotle shrimp tacos, shrimp with lime, family-friendly dinner, spicy shrimp tortillas, weeknight shrimp recipes
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Allie

Vietnamese girl who loves food a little too much

I'm Allie! I was born in Vietnam and now living in the USA — still eating, still cooking, and loving every second of it. I started cooking when I was 10 after getting totally obsessed with cooking shows (shoutout to my childhood self). Now I’m here to share easy, tasty recipes that make your life better — and your plate happier.

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