Name: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped; 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage; 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice; Avocado, sliced; 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour); Extra lime wedges, for serving

If you’re in the mood for bold flavors that sing of summer, you need to make these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw. Juicy, perfectly spiced shrimp meet a tangy-tart cilantro lime sauce, all tucked into warm tortillas with a crisp, fresh cabbage slaw. Whether it’s taco night or just a craving for something vibrant, this dish brings together zest, crunch, and a burst of freshness in every bite!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is that the ingredient list is uncomplicated, yet each component adds its own magic. Every ingredient here is essential for building layers of flavor and delivering the just-right textures that make these tacos absolutely irresistible.

Shrimp: Wild-caught, peeled, and deveined shrimp ensure juicy, succulent bites every time. Fresh or frozen-and-thawed both work well.
Salt & Black Pepper: These basics do double-duty in bringing out all the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, & Chili Powder: This trio delivers a smoky depth, a little warmth, and an irresistible savory note.
Olive Oil: For that perfect sear on your shrimp—go for a quality extra virgin if you have it.
Butter: A knob of butter adds richness and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Lime Zest & Juice: Both the zest and juice make the shrimp and the whole taco burst with bright, citrusy flavor.
Honey: Just a hint, bringing out the sweetness in the shrimp and evening out the tang.
Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro offers a pop of herbal freshness in both the slaw and as a finishing touch.
Green Cabbage: Finely shredded, it makes the slaw crunchy and light.
Greek Yogurt: Gives the slaw its creamy body without heaviness, plus a little tanginess.
Avocado: Sliced for a buttery, cooling contrast to the warm shrimp.
Tortillas: Corn or flour—there’s no wrong choice here; just make sure to warm them up!
Extra Lime Wedges: For finishing each taco with a final zing of freshness.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Step 1: Season and Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel so those spice rubs stick beautifully. Toss them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, making sure every shrimp is well-coated. This is where that flavor foundation starts!

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet on medium-high, swirl in that olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, lay in the shrimp. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—nobody likes steamed shrimp in their tacos. Cook for about 90 seconds per side. They’ll turn gorgeous and pink with caramelized edges.

Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, then add butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey to the skillet. Toss those shrimp so they’re enrobed in a glossy, sweet-citrusy sauce. Let everything simmer gently for a couple of minutes; the honey and butter meld into a glaze that clings to the shrimp. Stir in fresh cilantro at the end for a punch of color and flavor.

Step 4: Toss the Creamy Slaw

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, more cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good toss. The result is a lightly dressed, tangy slaw that balances the richness of the shrimp and sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas (try charring them over a gas flame for a hint of smokiness). Layer on the creamy slaw, add a generous scoop of shrimp, and don’t forget to drizzle over any leftover sauce from the pan. Top with fresh avocado slices and a final squeeze of lime for sparkle. Enjoy these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw fresh and hot!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Garnishes

Elevate your tacos with a shower of fresh cilantro, an extra squeeze of lime, and slices of creamy avocado for color and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky salt or a quick pinch of chili flakes never hurts for an extra pop.

Side Dishes

Pair Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw with sides like black beans, Mexican street corn, or a platter of fresh guacamole and chips. Each side complements the bright citrusy profile and brings more fun to your taco spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping gathering, serve these tacos deconstructed—shrimp in a bowl, slaw in another, and tortillas on the side—so everyone makes their own. Or pile them onto a big platter lined with parchment for a fiesta-style, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare with these tacos!), store the shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately in airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh and stops the tortillas from getting soggy.

Freezing

The cooked shrimp freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. The slaw doesn’t hold up well in the freezer, so whip that up fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the tacos again.

Reheating

To reheat, quickly sauté or microwave the shrimp until just warmed through—avoid overcooking or they can become rubbery. Gently heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave, then assemble with fresh slaw.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning so you get that perfect sear and flavor.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the slaw?

If you prefer, you can use sour cream or even mayonnaise for a similar creamy effect. Each brings its own character, so feel free to tailor to your tastes.

Are these tacos spicy?

The chili powder adds a gentle warmth rather than true heat. If you want more kick, add a dash of hot sauce or minced jalapeño before serving!

Which tortillas work best: corn or flour?

Both work beautifully in this dish. Corn tortillas bring classic flavor and a sturdier texture, while flour tortillas offer softness. It’s truly a matter of personal preference—try both and pick your favorite.

Can I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and slaw components up to a day ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking something effortlessly impressive yet breezy to make, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are the way to go. They’re colorful, fresh, and full of zesty character—give them a try and you might just have a new favorite in your taco rotation!