Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw (Printable)
Seasoned shrimp in warm tortillas topped with creamy garlic cilantro lime slaw for a quick dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Spicy Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp chili powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
11 - 3 cups shredded green and red cabbage mix
12 - 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
16 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
17 - 1 clove garlic, minced
18 - 1 tsp honey
19 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
21 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
22 - Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds until pliable.
05 - Spread a generous layer of the garlic cilantro lime slaw across each warm tortilla. Top with the spicy shrimp, sliced avocado, and a scattering of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The slaw alone is worth making, tangy and creamy with a crunch that holds up even the next day.
- Start to finish in thirty minutes, which means taco night does not have to be a weekend only event.
- The spice blend hits every note, smoky, warm, bright, without needing a specialty shopping trip.
02 -
- Do not marinate the shrimp longer than thirty minutes or the acid from the lime will start breaking down the texture and make them mushy.
- Crowding the pan is the fastest way to steamed shrimp instead of slightly charred ones, so cook in two batches if needed.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning so the spices stick and you get a better sear.
- Taste the slaw dressing on its own before mixing it in, and adjust the lime or salt because once it is combined, fixes are harder to make.