Name: Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; ½ cup shredded purple cabbage; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 garlic clove, minced; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lime wedges, extra cilantro

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If you’re looking for a fresh, flavor-packed meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, you’re going to love Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw. These tacos are a true celebration of bright, zesty flavors and contrasting textures, featuring tender shrimp coated in bold spices and tucked into warm tortillas with a cool, tangy slaw that’s bursting with garlic and fresh herbs. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a weekend dinner with friends, this dish will make you want to gather around the table and savor every single bite!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw is how each simple ingredient plays a big role in building layers of flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant dish, along with a few tips to help you get the best results every time.

Raw shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star protein, shrimp cook quickly and absorb all those gorgeous spices.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and adds richness.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy kick that defines the taco’s spicy personality.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle smokiness that makes the shrimp irresistible.
Cumin (½ teaspoon): Essential for that classic taco flavor with a hint of nuttiness.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall savoriness and ties in with the garlicky slaw.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Use if you like a little extra heat; totally adjustable to your spice preference.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): These basics are crucial for bringing out all the other flavors.
Shredded green cabbage (2 cups): The crisp foundation for your slaw, adding crunch and freshness.
Shredded purple cabbage (½ cup): For a pop of color and a slightly peppery bite.
Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Brings the slaw to life with its vibrant herbal notes.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Gives the slaw its creamy, luscious texture; Greek yogurt works too for a lighter touch.
Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayo.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a hint to mellow out the tang and spice.
Garlic clove (1, minced): Packs a punch of flavor right into the slaw.
Small corn or flour tortillas (8): The perfect vessel—choose your favorite or go gluten-free with corn.
Optional toppings (sliced avocado, lime wedges, extra cilantro): Take your tacos to the next level with creamy, zesty, or herbal garnishes.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne (if you’re feeling bold), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Give it all a good mix so every shrimp is coated in those fragrant spices. Let them sit for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to get cozy while you prep the slaw.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

While the shrimp marinate, grab a separate bowl and combine the green and purple cabbage with chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, honey, and minced garlic. Toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated in that creamy, zippy dressing. Pop the bowl in the fridge to keep it crisp and chilled until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Set a skillet over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil if needed. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque—be careful not to overcook, as shrimp go from perfect to rubbery fast! Once done, transfer them to a plate and get ready for assembly.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or pop them in the microwave under a damp paper towel. This little step makes the tortillas soft and pliable, so they won’t crack when you load them up with fillings.

Step 5: Assemble Your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

Now for the fun part! Place a generous scoop of the slaw on each warm tortilla, pile on a few juicy shrimp, and finish with your favorite toppings—think creamy avocado slices, a squeeze of fresh lime, or a sprinkle of extra cilantro. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw even more irresistible. Try creamy avocado slices, extra chopped cilantro for a burst of green, or wedges of lime for that perfect tangy finish. A little crumbled queso fresco or a drizzle of hot sauce would also be delicious additions if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Round out your taco night with sides that complement the bold flavors of the tacos. Think classic Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple corn salad. For something super refreshing, serve with a watermelon or mango salsa—these fruity sides play beautifully against the spice and zest of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests (or just treat yourself!), try serving Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw on a big platter with the shrimp, slaw, tortillas, and toppings in separate bowls. Let everyone build their own tacos for a fun, interactive meal. For a party, mini tortillas make adorable bite-sized tacos that are perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the slaw crisp and the shrimp juicy. Don’t assemble the tacos until you’re ready to eat so the tortillas don’t get soggy.

Freezing

While the slaw doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh veggies and creamy dressing, you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling fresh tacos with a new batch of slaw.

Reheating

To reheat shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a minute or two, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them rubbery. Always assemble the tacos with freshly tossed slaw for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the spices stick and ensures even cooking.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the slaw?

If you’d like a lighter option, Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of mayo. It still gives the slaw a creamy texture with a little extra tang.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas, these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spices and condiments for hidden gluten if you’re highly sensitive.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level is totally customizable! The recipe has a gentle heat, but you can add more or less cayenne to suit your taste. Serve with extra hot sauce if you love things fiery.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of using a skillet?

Definitely! Grilling adds an amazing smoky flavor that pairs so well with the zesty slaw. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for about 2 minutes per side.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to get excited about a meal as vibrant and delicious as Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw. These tacos are quick, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try and let your taste buds go on a little flavor adventure—you might just find your new favorite dinner!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw offer a vibrant, flavorful twist on a classic seafood taco. Marinated shrimp are quickly cooked and paired with a zesty, creamy slaw that combines fresh cabbage, cilantro, lime, and garlic, all wrapped in warm tortillas for an easy, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Marinade

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

2 cups shredded green cabbage
½ cup shredded purple cabbage
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced

To Serve

8 small corn or flour tortillas
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lime wedges, extra cilantro

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Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the spices.
Prepare the Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded green and purple cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Refrigerate the slaw until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp cook, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable and heated through.
Assemble the Tacos: Place a scoop of the garlic cilantro lime slaw on each tortilla. Top with cooked shrimp and your favorite additional toppings such as sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, or extra cilantro. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.