Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

why make this recipe

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a fantastic dish for any occasion. These tacos are light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of shrimp coated in zesty lime and fresh cilantro makes them refreshing. Plus, the creamy slaw brings a smooth texture that perfectly complements the crunchy tortillas. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

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
  • ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
  • 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
  • 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, mix the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. Cook for another minute then remove from heat.

  2. Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Mix well until all the cabbage is coated.

  3. Assembly: Warm tortillas on a skillet for a few seconds on each side. To assemble, place some shrimp on each tortilla, add the slaw, and top with avocado slices.

how to serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Serve the tacos warm with extra lime wedges on the side. This makes for a fun and interactive meal. You can also offer additional toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cheese to let everyone customize their tacos.

how to store Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to two days. When ready to eat, warm the shrimp in a skillet and prepare fresh tortillas for serving.

tips to make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

  • If you want extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or adding diced jalapeños to the slaw.
  • You can replace the shrimp with grilled chicken or vegetables for a different twist.

variation

For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. This makes the recipe lighter while still being delicious.

FAQs

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

Q: Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
A: You can use sour cream or mayonnaise as a substitute for Greek yogurt if you prefer.

Q: Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving to keep it fresh.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos topped with creamy slaw on a plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Light and flavorful tacos featuring zesty lime shrimp and a creamy slaw, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

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 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
Taco Assembly
  • 1 Avocado sliced
  • 8 pieces 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour, your preference)
  • Extra pieces lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. In a bowl, mix 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. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. Cook for another minute then remove from heat.
Make the Slaw
  1. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice.
  2. Mix well until all the cabbage is coated.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. Warm tortillas on a skillet for a few seconds on each side.
  2. To assemble, place some shrimp on each tortilla, add the slaw, and top with avocado slices.

Notes

Serve the tacos warm with extra lime wedges on the side. You can also offer toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cheese for customization. Marinate the shrimp for added flavor and adjust spices as desired.

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