Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish that brings together tender, seasoned shrimp with a crisp, zesty slaw wrapped in warm tortillas. This recipe is inspired by coastal Mexican cuisine, where seafood tacos are celebrated for their lightness, bold spices, and bright citrus flavors. The shrimp cook quickly, making this an ideal meal for busy weeknights, yet the final result feels colorful and special enough for entertaining.

The creamy yet refreshing cilantro lime slaw perfectly balances the savory shrimp, adding crunch and tanginess to every bite. These tacos are customizable, satisfying, and packed with fresh ingredients, making them a favorite for taco nights and summer meals alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the cilantro lime slaw adds a refreshing contrast that keeps the tacos from feeling heavy. It’s one of those meals that tastes restaurant-quality but is easy to prepare at home, making it a go-to for both casual dinners and gatherings.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Quick-cooking shrimp make it perfect for weeknights
• Fresh, zesty flavors with a satisfying crunch
• Light yet filling and packed with protein
• Easy to customize with toppings and sauces
• Perfect for taco nights, parties, or summer meals

Time, Servings and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 (8–10 tacos)

Approximate Calories:

• 350–400 calories per serving (2 tacos)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• Salt, to taste

For Serving

• 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, pico de gallo, sour cream, hot sauce, crumbled queso fresco

Cooking Directions

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. In a bowl, mix slaw ingredients until well combined.
4. Warm tortillas.
5. Assemble tacos with shrimp and cilantro lime slaw.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Make Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Mix until creamy and well coated. Set aside.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
4. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until warm and pliable.
5. Assemble Tacos: Place shrimp onto warm tortillas and top with cilantro lime slaw. Add any additional toppings as desired.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Shrimp Tacos immediately while warm. Arrange tacos on a platter and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Pair with rice, black beans, corn salad, or tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help spices stick and ensure good browning.
• Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery when cooked too long.
• Taste and adjust slaw seasoning before serving.
• Warm tortillas for best texture and flavor.
• Add a drizzle of crema or spicy mayo for extra richness.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Grill shrimp on skewers for a smoky flavor.
2. Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the seasoning.
3. Dairy-Free Slaw: Use dairy-free mayonnaise or avocado for creaminess.
4. Mango Shrimp Tacos: Add diced mango to the slaw for a sweet contrast.
5. Low-Carb Version: Serve shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Shrimp can be frozen cooked or uncooked for up to 2 months, but slaw should not be frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold in salads.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings bold coastal flavors to your table. With juicy shrimp, zesty slaw, and warm tortillas, these tacos strike the perfect balance between light and satisfying. Ideal for quick dinners, gatherings, or taco nights, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bright, vibrant, and delicious food.

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish that brings together tender, seasoned shrimp with a crisp, zesty slaw wrapped in warm tortillas. This recipe is inspired by coastal Mexican cuisine, where seafood tacos are celebrated for their lightness, bold spices, and bright citrus flavors.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Mexican Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (450 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• Salt, to taste

For Serving

• 8 –10 small corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, pico de gallo, sour cream, hot sauce, crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

1. Prepare Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Make Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Mix until creamy and well coated. Set aside.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
4. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until warm and pliable.
5. Assemble Tacos: Place shrimp onto warm tortillas and top with cilantro lime slaw. Add any additional toppings as desired.

Keywords: Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw