These zesty shrimp tacos are packed with fresh flavors! The shrimp are marinated in lime and cilantro, giving them a bright and tasty kick. Add in some creamy slaw, and you’ve got a winner!
I love eating these tacos on a sunny day! They’re quick to make and never fail to impress my friends. Plus, you can never have too much slaw, right? 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe. If you’re allergic or prefer not to use shrimp, try using chicken or tofu instead. For a vegan option, you can use mushrooms or chickpeas to get a good texture!
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice is essential for the zesty flavor. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice is a decent substitute. Just adjust to taste; it can be a bit more concentrated.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh parsley or mint for a different taste. You could also skip the herbs entirely if preferred.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is great for slaw, but you can swap it for red cabbage for a colorful twist or use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix to save time.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter version of creamy slaw, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. If you want dairy-free, try using a vegan mayo or omit it altogether and use a dressing instead!
How Do I Get My Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky! Overcooking makes them tough. Here’s how to make sure they’re just right:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This helps them sear nicely.
- Cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink when they’re done.
- Watch closely! Remove them from heat as soon as they are opaque and firm to the touch.
Also, shrimp cook fast, so get everything else ready first. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together!
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
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and an additional 10 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and easy meal. You’ll spend some time marinating the shrimp and preparing the creamy slaw, but the cooking itself is super fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Shrimp:
Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once everything is mixed well, add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them around until they are fully coated in the marinade. Let the shrimp marinate for about 20 minutes. This will help to infuse them with flavor!
2. Preparing the Creamy Slaw:
While your shrimp is marinating, it’s time to whip up the creamy slaw. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, and then set it aside while you cook the shrimp. This slaw adds a nice crunch!
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp has marinated for 20 minutes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and are cooked all the way through. Remove them from the heat.
4. Warming the Tortillas:
In a different skillet or over an open flame, warm the corn tortillas for a few seconds on each side until they become pliable. This step makes the tortillas much easier to fold when you’re ready to assemble the tacos!
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a few pieces of cooked shrimp in the center. Add a generous scoop of the creamy slaw on top, and finish with a couple of slices of avocado. Repeat this for the rest of your tortillas.
6. Serving and Enjoying:
Serve your tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Enjoy these zesty shrimp tacos with friends or family for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before marinating. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry to remove extra moisture before marinading.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade. You can also top your tacos with a spicy sauce or salsa for an extra kick!
What Other Veggies Can I Use in the Slaw?
Feel free to mix it up! You can add shredded carrots, red cabbage, or even diced bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor. Just keep the total amount the same for the best texture in your slaw.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, while the slaw is best consumed within 1 day for optimal crunchiness. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet before serving, if desired.
