Spicy Shrimp Tacos (Printable)
Seasoned shrimp with creamy garlic cilantro lime slaw in warm tortillas for a quick taco night.
# Ingredient List:
→ Spiced 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 blend
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 leaves, for garnish
23 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and fresh lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated. Let marinate while preparing the slaw.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh 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 an even layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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 30 seconds until pliable.
05 - Layer a generous portion of the garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with the spiced shrimp, sliced avocado, and additional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The slaw is so good you will catch yourself eating it straight from the bowl before the shrimp is even done.
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes which means weeknight dinner never felt this exciting.
- The spice blend on the shrimp hits that perfect balance between smoky and bright without setting your mouth on fire.
02 -
- Do not overcook the shrimp because they go from perfect to rubbery in about sixty seconds flat.
- Letting the slaw chill even briefly in the fridge makes a huge difference in how the flavors come together.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning so the spices stick and you get a proper sear instead of a steam.
- Taste the slaw dressing before you pour it over the cabbage and adjust the lime and salt until it makes you close your eyes.