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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

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4.3 from 59 reviews

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw offer a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic tacos. Succulent shrimp are seasoned with chili and cumin spices, sautéed to perfection, and topped with a creamy, tangy slaw made from sour cream, cilantro, lime, and garlic. Served with fresh avocado and Cotija cheese on warm tortillas, these tacos are perfect for a quick, delicious meal in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup water (if needed, to thin sauce)

Spice Mix

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 2-3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • 2 avocados
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Pulse all the sauce ingredients—oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and water if needed—in a food processor or blender until mostly smooth. Adjust texture by adding more water to thin if necessary.
  2. Make the slaw: Toss some of the prepared sauce (reserve some for topping) with the shredded green cabbage until evenly coated to create the garlic cilantro lime slaw.
  3. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss them in a small bowl with the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and coarse sea salt until well coated.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté for 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through but still tender.
  5. Assemble the tacos: For easy and attractive tacos, start by smashing avocado onto each warm tortilla. Layer with a generous amount of the cilantro lime slaw, followed by the sautéed shrimp. Top with crumbled Cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime juice, and drizzle with the leftover sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use either corn or flour tortillas based on preference, though corn offers a more traditional flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level of the shrimp seasoning.
  • For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream in the sauce.
  • To prep ahead, make the sauce and slaw separately and store in the fridge; cook shrimp fresh before serving.
  • Feel free to add extra toppings such as sliced jalapeños or chopped tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/spicy-shrimp-tacos-with-garlic-cilantro-lime-slaw-recipe/