Shrimp Taco Recipe with Slaw

Shrimp Tacos with Slaw are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are cooked to perfection and paired with a crisp, tangy slaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Whether you’re making these for a quick dinner or a fun taco night, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Bold and fresh flavors: The combination of seasoned shrimp, zesty slaw, and creamy sauce is irresistible.
• Healthy and light: A nutritious meal packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add your favorite toppings.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for taco Tuesdays, summer cookouts, or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper

For the Slaw:

• Green and purple cabbage (shredded)
• Carrot (shredded)
• Cilantro (chopped)
• Lime juice
• Greek yogurt or mayo
• Honey
• Salt and black pepper

For the Tacos:

• Small corn or flour tortillas
• Avocado (sliced)
• Cotija cheese or feta (crumbled)
• Jalapeños (sliced, optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Slaw

• In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
• In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey, salt, and black pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the slaw, toss to coat, and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

• In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Tacos

• Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
• Layer each tortilla with slaw, cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, and crumbled cheese.
• Top with jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 4 servings (8 tacos)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 6 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy shrimp tacos: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp seasoning.
• Grilled shrimp tacos: Grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
• Creamy avocado sauce: Blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro for a smooth topping.
• Low-carb version: Serve the shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Mango slaw: Add diced mango for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.
• Reheating: Warm shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

Toast them in a dry skillet for a slight char or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but only heat them briefly to avoid overcooking.

How do I make the slaw crunchier?

Toss it with dressing right before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What other toppings go well with these tacos?

Try sour cream, pickled onions, or extra fresh cilantro.

How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?

Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-searing?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 8 minutes.

Can I add a sauce?

Yes! Try a chipotle mayo, lime crema, or avocado sauce for extra flavor.

What sides go well with shrimp tacos?

Mexican rice, black beans, or chips and salsa pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Shrimp Tacos with Slaw are a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you like them spicy, creamy, or with a tropical twist, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try them for your next taco night and enjoy restaurant-quality tacos at home!

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