These zesty shrimp tacos are bursting with flavor! The shrimp are marinated in a tangy lime and cilantro mix, giving them a fresh taste. Topped with creamy slaw, they’re a tasty treat!
You can’t go wrong with tacos, right? I love how quick they are to make. Just toss the shrimp in the pan, assemble, and enjoy a little fiesta at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best for this recipe, but frozen shrimp works too. Just make sure to thaw them properly. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use grilled chicken or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian option.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice brings the best flavor, but bottled juice is okay in a pinch. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice can work as a substitute. For zest, make sure to use a microplane and avoid the bitter white pith under the skin.
Cumin and Paprika: Cumin adds a nice earthy flavor. If you’re out, try using coriander. Paprika gives a slight smokiness, but you can swap it with chili powder for a little extra heat. For less spice, consider sweet paprika instead.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is crunchy and holds up well in slaw. If you want to change it up, try red cabbage for color or even add some carrots for sweetness. You could also use pre-packaged coleslaw mix.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want a vegan option, try using a plant-based mayo.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp quickly and correctly is key to get them just right. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on the time.
- Make sure the grill or skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- If you’re unsure, cut one open to check that it’s no longer translucent.
- Try not to crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for the best results.
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Allow about 15-20 minutes for marinating the shrimp. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your tacos in about 45 minutes, including all preparations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss everything until the shrimp are nicely coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Creamy Slaw:
While your shrimp is soaking up those yummy flavors, let’s get the creamy slaw ready! In a medium bowl, combine the finely shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed, and then set it aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s 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 pink and opaque. This shouldn’t take long, so keep an eye on them!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet. Just a few seconds on each side will make them nice and pliable, ready to hold all the tasty toppings!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! On each warm tortilla, layer a few pieces of cooked shrimp, a generous spoonful of the creamy slaw, and finish it off with some slices of creamy avocado. Make sure to fill them up just right!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your zesty shrimp tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of lime juice right before you bite in. Enjoy your meal and let the flavors take you away!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before marinating. To thaw quickly, place the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to ensure they marinade properly!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Creamy Slaw?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Alternatively, you could use a vegan mayo if you’re aiming for a plant-based option.
How to Store Leftover Tacos
For best results, store the shrimp and creamy slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the slaw for about 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet and assemble your tacos again!
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy slaw a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain its freshness. Give it a quick stir before serving, and you might want to add a dash of lime juice to refresh the flavor!
