Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is a perfect combination of fresh, zesty flavors with a satisfying crunch. This recipe features wild-caught shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, then sautéed to perfection in butter and olive oil. Topped with a refreshing slaw made from shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, and lime, these tacos are a great choice for a light, yet flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun dish for taco night, these shrimp tacos deliver all the right flavors. The creamy slaw adds a cool contrast to the shrimp’s heat, while the cilantro and lime provide a burst of freshness. Served in soft tortillas with slices of avocado and extra lime wedges, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor

The shrimp is coated in a blend of smoky, spicy, and zesty seasonings, creating a delicious contrast with the creamy, tangy slaw. Each bite is full of bold, fresh flavors that are hard to resist.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a fresh and tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

3. Perfectly Balanced

The combination of perfectly seasoned shrimp, tangy slaw, creamy avocado, and lime offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s light, yet satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal.

4. Customizable to Taste

You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder, and the slaw can be made spicier by incorporating jalapeños or other hot peppers. You can also switch up the tortillas to suit your preferences.

5. Healthy and Fresh

Packed with protein from the shrimp and nutrients from the cabbage and avocado, these tacos are a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

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Ingredients

Shrimp

• 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from that same lime)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped

The Rest

• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
• Avocado, sliced
• 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour, your preference)
• Extra lime wedges, for serving

Variations

• Add Heat to the Slaw: For those who enjoy spice, add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy slaw to kick up the heat.
• Use Chicken: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken breast or thighs can be used instead, seasoned and cooked in the same manner.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, and use a plant-based yogurt alternative for the slaw.
• Extra Toppings: Consider adding pickled onions, sliced radishes, or cotija cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Add the lime zest, lime juice, and honey to the skillet and stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Toss until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds. To each tortilla, add a spoonful of the creamy slaw, followed by the cilantro lime shrimp. Top with slices of avocado and extra cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid them becoming tough.
• Toast the Tortillas: For extra flavor, lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling the tacos.
• Use Fresh Lime: Fresh lime juice and zest are key to brightening the flavors of this dish.
• Double the Slaw: If you love slaw, feel free to make extra to top the tacos or serve it as a side dish.
• Customize the Toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings, like sliced radishes, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cheese, to make the tacos even more flavorful.

How to Serve

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are best served immediately, while the shrimp is hot and the slaw is crisp. They make a great meal for taco night, a casual dinner party, or a fresh summer meal. Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos for an added burst of citrus.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp or slaw, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, store them in a separate container.

Freezing

It is not recommended to freeze the shrimp or slaw, as the texture of both may change after freezing. However, the shrimp can be stored in the freezer before cooking if needed.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, just until heated through. The slaw is best served cold, so it’s ready to go straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

2. Can I make the creamy slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the slaw a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! Feel free to use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add more chili powder to the shrimp or include jalapeños in the slaw for extra heat.

5. Can I substitute Greek yogurt with something else?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative if desired.

6. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure the shrimp and slaw are well-drained before placing them on the tortillas, and serve the tacos immediately after assembling.

7. Can I use another type of fish for the tacos?

Yes, white fish such as tilapia or cod works great in place of shrimp for this recipe.

8. How do I add more texture to the tacos?

For more crunch, add some sliced radishes or shredded carrots to the slaw.

9. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply toss them in the seasoning and warm them in the skillet briefly to avoid overcooking.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortillas, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is a perfect combination of fresh, zesty flavors and satisfying textures. With quick-cooked shrimp, creamy slaw, and toppings like avocado and lime, these tacos are an ideal choice for a flavorful and healthy meal. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or looking for a light yet satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers a vibrant and delicious experience with every bite.

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