Sizzling Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Spicy aromas dance through the kitchen as these mouth-watering fiery shrimp tacos with garlic cilantro lime slaw beckon hungry taste buds.

Fresh seafood sizzles with bold seasonings, creating a vibrant meal that promises excitement on every plate.

The zesty combination of tender shrimp and crisp slaw delivers a perfect balance of heat and freshness.

Bright lime cuts through rich flavors, while cilantro adds a burst of herbal complexity to each bite.

Crisp tortillas cradle the succulent shrimp, transforming a simple dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Colorful and packed with layers of flavor, these tacos turn an ordinary meal into a celebration of texture and taste.

Prepare to be swept away by this irresistible culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in These Spicy Shrimp Tacos

• Tortillas: Soft, warm carriers that bring all the flavors together; choose fresh corn or flour tortillas for authentic texture and taste.

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crunchy, vibrant base that adds texture and nutrition; look for crisp, tightly packed heads without blemishes.
• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that delivers a zesty punch; select bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that provides depth and warmth; choose firm, plump cloves without soft spots.
• Lime: Tangy citrus that brightens the entire dish; pick heavy, glossy fruits for maximum juice.
• Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent that helps blend slaw ingredients; select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all other ingredients; use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that cooks quickly; choose fresh, firm shrimp with no fishy smell.
• Chili Powder: Warming spice blend that adds complexity; opt for high-quality, fresh ground mix.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky, rich seasoning that provides depth; select deep red, fragrant powder.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that brings warmth; choose whole seeds and grind fresh for maximum flavor.
• Cayenne: Optional intense heat booster; use sparingly and adjust to personal spice tolerance.
• Avocado, Jalapeños: Optional fresh toppings that add creaminess and extra kick; choose ripe, firm avoc.

The Kitchen Tools That Make Taco Night a Breeze

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing and marinating slaw ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for tossing shrimp with spices.
• Skillet: Critical for cooking shrimp and warming tortillas.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cabbage and cilantro.
• Chef's Knife: Helps with precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Tongs: Great for flipping shrimp and handling tortillas.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate spice measurements for consistent flavor.
• Lime Squeezer: Optional, makes adding fresh lime juice easier.

Building Shrimp Tacos from Scratch

• Whip Up the Tangy Slaw

Grab a big bowl and toss green and red cabbage with fresh cilantro, minced garlic, zesty lime juice, and a splash of olive oil. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, giving everything a good mix. Let the slaw sit and mingle while you get the shrimp ready.

• Sizzle the Spicy Shrimp

Tumble shrimp into a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne for extra kick. Fire up a skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the seasoned shrimp. Cook until they turn a beautiful pink and look perfectly opaque, flipping once.

• Wake Up the Tortillas

Toast tortillas in a dry skillet or quickly wave them over an open flame. They should get warm, flexible, and develop those tempting little char marks.

• Create Your Flavor Explosion

Layer each tortilla with a generous scoop of zingy slaw, crown it with the spicy shrimp, and give a quick squeeze of fresh lime. Add sliced avocado or jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous.

Taco Night Remix: Add-Ins & Variations

• Marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to intensify the spice blend and enhance overall taste.
• Make the cabbage slaw ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let flavors meld and develop deeper complexity.
• Swap corn tortillas for lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to create mild, medium, or hot versions that suit individual heat preferences.
• Replace tortillas with cauliflower tortillas or serve shrimp and slaw over a fresh salad for a lighter, carb-conscious meal option.

Pair Like a Pro: What to Serve on the Side

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Layer slaw first, then carefully arrange spicy shrimp on top for a colorful, Instagram-worthy presentation that highlights each ingredient's vibrant colors and textures.
• Creamy Cool Complement: Add sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream to balance the shrimp's spiciness and create a smooth, rich contrast in each bite.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or thinly sliced green onions over the tacos for an extra burst of fresh flavor and elegant garnish that elevates the entire dish.
• Sidekick Sensation: Serve with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a zesty corn salsa to create a complete meal that rounds out the tacos with complementary side dishes.

Make It Last: Storage & Prep Tips

• Chop cabbage and mix slaw up to 2 days ahead, keeping it crisp in an airtight container. Store dressing separately to prevent soggy veggies.
• Cook extra shrimp and freeze in sealed bags for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain tender texture.
• Pack taco components separately in divided containers for easy work or school meal. Keep tortillas, slaw, and shrimp in individual sections to maintain freshness.
• Transform remaining shrimp and slaw into a vibrant salad or wrap. Mix ingredients with additional greens for a light, protein-packed lunch option that prevents food waste.

Fiery Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw blend Mexican coastal flavors and zesty seasonings for an unforgettable meal. Crisp tortillas cradle succulent shrimp and tangy slaw, promising a delicious escape with each delectable bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6–8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Lime wedges
• Extra cilantro or sliced jalapenos (optional)
• Avocado or guacamole (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slaw Preparation: Combine green and red cabbage, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil in a spacious mixing bowl. Generously season with salt and pepper, thoroughly mixing to ensure even distribution. Allow the slaw to marinate and develop flavors while preparing the remaining components.
2. Shrimp Seasoning and Cooking: Coat shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Preheat a skillet to medium-high temperature, then sear shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become completely opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Tortilla Preparation: Gently warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over an open flame, creating a slight char and enhancing their pliability. This technique adds a subtle smoky essence to the tacos.
4. Taco Assembly: Layer each tortilla with a generous portion of marinated slaw, placing the spicy, seared shrimp on top. Elevate the flavor profile by squeezing fresh lime juice and adding optional garnishes such as creamy avocado slices or fiery jalapeño rings.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne and chili powder to control heat intensity, ensuring the dish suits different spice tolerances without compromising flavor.
• Let slaw sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor absorption and develop a more balanced, tangy profile.
• Cook shrimp precisely 1-2 minutes per side to maintain tender texture and avoid rubbery, tough consistency.
• Select crisp cabbage, fresh cilantro, and ripe limes to elevate the overall taste and provide vibrant, authentic taco experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg