These zesty shrimp tacos are a burst of flavor! With fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, they’re refreshing and delicious. The creamy slaw adds a perfect crunch to each bite.
Who doesn’t love tacos? I could eat these every day! Add some extra lime on top for a zingy twist—it’s like a party in your mouth! 🥳
Making these tacos is super easy. Just cook the shrimp, mix up the slaw, and assemble. Perfect for a quick dinner or when friends come over!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are best for this recipe. If you’re allergic or don’t have shrimp, try firm tofu or chicken breast cut into strips for a similar texture.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp. You can replace it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if needed. I find avocado oil gives a nice subtle taste.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro really brightens the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can work as substitutes. Personally, I think cilantro adds a unique zing!
Cabbage: You can substitute the green and red cabbages with a pre-packaged slaw mix or use lettuce for a lighter option. I love the crunchiness that cabbage brings, especially with the creamy slaw!
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. It adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that pairs well in the slaw.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp correctly is key for great tacos! You don’t want them overcooked, which makes them rubbery. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking. This helps to sear the shrimp quickly.
- Add the marinated shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn opaque when done.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.
- Always check to make sure they’re no longer translucent and are curled into a “C” shape.
These tips will help you achieve juicy, delicious shrimp every time!
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional chopped cilantro
For Serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes for marinating the shrimp. You’ll have these zesty shrimp tacos ready to eat in under an hour. Perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined. This marinade is going to add tons of flavor to your shrimp!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss the shrimp gently to make sure they’re all coated evenly. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for about 15-20 minutes while you whip up the creamy slaw.
3. Make the Creamy Slaw:
In another bowl, combine the thinly sliced green cabbage, red cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together nicely. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like. If you fancy it, stir in some extra chopped cilantro for added flavor. Set this aside; it’s going to be the perfect topping for your tacos!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and are cooked through. Make sure to keep an eye on them; shrimp cook quickly!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp are sizzling away, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or give them a quick blast in the microwave until they’re soft and pliable. Warming the tortillas makes them easier to fold and eat!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Place some cooked shrimp in each tortilla and top them generously with the creamy slaw and a few slices of avocado. Yum!
7. Serve:
Serve your zesty tacos right away while they’re hot. Don’t forget to add lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before you dig in. Enjoy your flavorful shrimp tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight, or if you’re short on time, you can place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they marinate well.
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, the slaw can be prepared a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and if it seems too thick, you can add a splash of lime juice or water to adjust the consistency.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp can be kept for up to 2 days, while the slaw will last for about 3 days. To reheat the shrimp, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat. If the slaw looks a bit wilted, add a little extra lime juice to freshen it up!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Slaw?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or a dairy-free alternative, Greek yogurt works great in place of mayonnaise! You can also use avocado or a combination of sour cream and lime juice for a similar creamy texture with a zesty flavor. Just taste and adjust seasonings as needed!
