Emulsifier Free Paleo Chipotle Lime Shrimp Lettuce Tacos
Smoky, citrusy shrimp piled into crisp butter lettuce cups with a bright mango-avocado salsa — this is the kind of meal that feels like a treat but comes together with nothing but whole, clean ingredients. Every component is naturally free of emulsifiers, which means no sneaky additives hiding in sauces, spice blends, or packaged shells. The marinade is built from scratch with chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, fresh lime juice, and avocado oil, so you know exactly what's going on the shrimp before they hit the pan. A quick sear over medium-high heat gives each shrimp those lightly charred edges that make the smoky spice blend really sing. The salsa is just as straightforward — ripe mango, creamy avocado, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime tossed together while the shrimp marinates. Butter lettuce leaves stand in for tortillas beautifully, adding a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spiced shrimp without any of the processed ingredients that conventional taco shells can carry. It's a vibrant, satisfying dinner that proves eating clean doesn't mean eating boring.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the shrimp
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 2 tbsp avocado oil, divided
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
For the salsa
- 1 mango, peeled and diced small
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 12 large butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, lime zest, 3 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp of the avocado oil. Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes — no longer, as the acid will begin to denature the shrimp.
- 2
While the shrimp marinates, combine the mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
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