Spicy Shrimp Tacos Garlic Cilantro (Print)
Spiced shrimp in warm tortillas topped with crisp garlic cilantro lime slaw. A vibrant 30-minute meal.
# What You Need:
→ Spiced Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp chili powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
10 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
11 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
12 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - Juice and zest of 1 lime
18 - 1 tsp honey
19 - 1/4 tsp kosher salt
→ For Serving
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
21 - Lime wedges
22 - Fresh cilantro for garnish
# How to Make:
01 - In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate briefly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and purple cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and salt until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly charred. Remove from heat immediately.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over an open flame for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
05 - Place a generous scoop of garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with the spicy shrimp, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
06 - Serve the tacos immediately while the shrimp are still warm and the tortillas are soft.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slaw doubles as a side dish for any taco night, and it only gets better as it sits in the fridge.
- Everything cooks in under thirty minutes, which makes this feel like a weeknight secret weapon.
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast, so pull them off the heat the moment they curl into a C shape.
- Making the slaw ahead of time actually improves it because the flavors meld as it rests.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning so the spices adhere and you get a proper sear.
- Dusting the tortillas with a pinch of salt while they warm adds an extra layer most people never think about.