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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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