Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro (Print Version)
Seasoned shrimp with creamy garlic cilantro lime slaw in warm tortillas — ready in 30 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Shrimp
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 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
# Steps:
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 fresh lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated. Allow to marinate for 5 minutes while preparing the slaw.
02 - In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk 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 combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in an even layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them 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 sliced avocado. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The slaw doubles as a side dish for any grilled protein, so you are secretly getting two recipes in one.
- Everything comes together in under thirty minutes, which means you can pull this off on your busiest weeknight without breaking a sweat.
02 -
- Overcooking shrimp is the fastest way to ruin this dish, so pull them off the heat the second they curl into a C shape and turn opaque.
- Letting the slaw rest for at least ten minutes transforms it from good to unforgettable because the cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning, because moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Make the slaw dressing in a mason jar and shake it vigorously for the smoothest, most emulsified result.