Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos Slaw

why make this recipe

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal. They combine fresh flavors and textures, making each bite exciting. Shrimp cooks quickly, so you won’t spend long in the kitchen. The zesty lime and cilantro bring a vibrant touch, while the creamy slaw adds crunch and coolness. It’s a great dish for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

how to make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Ingredients

  • 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from that same lime)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
  • 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
  • Avocado, sliced
  • 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour, your preference)
  • Extra lime wedges, for serving

Directions

  1. Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Add chopped cilantro and toss to combine. Remove from heat.

  2. Slaw: In a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and the rest of the chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine until the cabbage is coated.

  3. Assembly: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Place a layer of creamy slaw on each tortilla, top with the shrimp, and then add slices of avocado.

how to serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Serve these tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing. They’re best enjoyed fresh and can be paired with sides like black beans or a light salad for a complete meal.

how to store Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately in airtight containers. The shrimp can last in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Reheat the shrimp in a pan before serving.

tips to make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

  • Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste; if you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper.
  • For a healthier option, use whole grain tortillas or lettuce wraps instead.
  • Add toppings like salsa, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

variation

You can substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option. This recipe also works well with other veggies in the slaw, like carrots or radishes, which can add additional color and crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: You can use sour cream as a substitute for Greek yogurt in the slaw.

Q: Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve the tacos.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

These tacos feature flavorful wild-caught shrimp paired with a refreshing creamy slaw, making for a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from that same lime)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
For the Slaw
  • 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
  • ½ bunch cilantro, chopped (remaining from above)
To Serve
  • 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour) your preference
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Extra lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Once hot, add shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Add chopped cilantro and toss to combine.
  5. Remove from heat.
Make the Slaw
  1. In a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and the rest of the chopped cilantro.
  2. Stir well to combine until the cabbage is coated.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
  2. Place a layer of creamy slaw on each tortilla, top with the shrimp, and then add slices of avocado.

Notes

Serve these tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing. They're best enjoyed fresh and can be paired with sides like black beans or a light salad for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store the shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately in airtight containers. The shrimp can last in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Reheat the shrimp in a pan before serving. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste; if you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper. For a healthier option, use whole grain tortillas or lettuce wraps instead. Add toppings like salsa, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

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