How long does it take to make Cilantro Microgreens Lime Shrimp Tacos (20-Minute Mexican Dinner)?
This recipe takes approximately 20 min total.
20 min
· Serves 4
· Updated March 17, 2026
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Cilantro microgreens are best added fresh as a finishing ingredient. Chili-lime shrimp tacos with mango-avocado slaw finished with a big handful of cilantro microgreens for fresh herbaceous punch.
This recipe takes approximately 20 min total.
Cilantro microgreens work best as a fresh finishing ingredient, adding color, texture, and a just-cut flavor that stands out right before serving.
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup cilantro microgreens
1 avocado, diced
1 mango, diced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 limes (juice of both)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & crema for serving
Toss shrimp with chili powder, cumin, half the lime juice, oil, and salt. Marinate 5 minutes.
Grill or pan-sear shrimp over high heat 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
Combine avocado and mango with remaining lime juice for a quick slaw.
Warm tortillas; fill with shrimp, mango-avocado slaw, and a generous pile of cilantro microgreens. Drizzle with crema.
Cilantro and cilantro microgreens carry the same volatile aromatic profile — linalool, geraniol, and related terpenoid compounds — and are used as a fresh finishing element in tacos, pho, salsas, and composed plates. Research on cilantro focuses primarily on its essential oil composition and antioxidant activity.
• Cilantro and cilantro microgreens contain volatile aromatic compounds including linalool that have been studied for antioxidant activity.
moderate evidence• Fresh cilantro microgreens deliver the same aromatic compounds as mature leaves in a smaller, more visually refined garnish format.
strong evidence• Flavor and aroma intensity in cilantro microgreens vary by seed source, growing temperature, and harvest timing.
strong evidence1. Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
2. Microgreens: Production, Shelf Life, and Bioactive Components — Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2017
Sweet mango salsa studded with jalapeño and red onion, with cilantro microgreens folded in for vivid herbal flavor.
Aromatic beef-broth pho with rice noodles and a full herb plate — cilantro microgreens take the place of whole-leaf cilantro for concentrated flavor.