These zesty cilantro lime shrimp tacos are bursting with bright flavors! Made with juicy shrimp and a creamy slaw, they’re a delicious twist on taco night. Perfect for sunny days!
When I make these tacos, I can’t help but smile! The zesty lime and fresh cilantro really wake up your taste buds. Don’t forget to pile on the slaw; it’s a game changer! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is a must for the best taste, but you can use frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You might even try cooked shrimp for a quick taco filling!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, grapeseed or avocado oil works well too, maintaining that nice texture without altering the taste much.
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh limes enhance flavors, but bottled lime juice is a good backup. When zesting, be careful not to hit the bitter white part of the peel for a zest that’s fresh and bright!
Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage is preferred for crunch, but you could swap in red cabbage or even kale for a different flavor and color. Adding in carrots can also give your slaw a sweet crunch.
Mayo: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise in the slaw, adding creaminess with a tangy twist. Additionally, vegan mayo works well for a plant-based option.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Shrimp for Tacos?
Cooking shrimp quickly and correctly is key to keep them tender. Start by not overcrowding the pan; give those shrimp some space to sear. Here’s a simple guide:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot before adding the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip when they turn pink and opaque. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they’re opaque all the way through. They cook quickly, so be careful not to overdo it!
Trust me, perfectly cooked shrimp will elevate your tacos to the next level! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Tacos:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty taco recipe takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes marinating the shrimp and preparing the creamy slaw, then about 5 minutes cooking the shrimp and assembling the tacos. Quick and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix together the shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together so the shrimp are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the slaw.
2. Make the Creamy Slaw:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Then, add in the shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro, stirring gently to combine. Set this delicious slaw aside for later.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. You can also warm them directly on the grill for a few seconds.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab a tortilla and place a few cooked shrimp in the center. Top with avocado slices and a generous scoop of the creamy slaw for that extra crunch and flavor. Repeat this for all the tortillas.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos right away, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if you like. Enjoy the burst of zesty lime and delicious shrimp for a quick and satisfying meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before marinating. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry afterward to ensure they marinate well.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise for the Creamy Slaw?
No problem! You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use sour cream for a different flavor. Just mix it with the lime juice and sugar as you would with mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will last for about 2 days, while the creamy slaw can be kept for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet and assemble your tacos fresh!
Can I Add Other Toppings to My Tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your tacos with toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco. You might also want to add a squeeze of extra lime juice for an added zing or even some hot sauce to spice things up!
