Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw (Printable)
Juicy chili-spiced shrimp in warm tortillas topped with creamy garlic cilantro lime slaw for a quick weeknight dinner.
# Ingredient List:
→ Spicy Shrimp Marinade
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp chili powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
11 - 3 cups shredded green and red cabbage blend
12 - 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
16 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
17 - 1 clove garlic, minced
18 - 1 tsp honey
19 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
21 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
22 - Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated in the spice mixture. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque throughout. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until pliable.
05 - Layer a generous portion of the garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with the spicy shrimp and avocado slices. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The slaw comes together in five minutes and tastes even better than anything from a taco truck. Trust me on that.
- Shrimp cooks so fast you will have dinner on the table before the rice finishes, which makes this perfect for chaotic evenings.
02 -
- Do not overcook the shrimp because they go from perfect to rubbery in about sixty seconds, so watch them closely.
- Making the slaw ahead of time actually improves it since the flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge for up to a day.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning, because excess moisture prevents the spices from adhering and makes the pan steam instead of sear.
- Char the tortillas directly over a gas burner for about fifteen seconds per side using tongs, which gives them a smoky blistered edge that transforms the entire taco.