Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

The summer we discovered these tacos was the summer our tiny apartment kitchen became a taco assembly line every Tuesday night. Something about the crunch of cabbage against warm tortillas made the whole week feel manageable. Now the smell of cumin and lime hitting hot shrimp instantly pulls me back to those crowded, joyful dinners.

I once made these for a friend who claimed she hated seafood tacos. She went back for thirds and asked for the recipe before she even left. Theres something about the fresh lime crema that ties everything together and makes people forget theyre being healthy.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) raw medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined saves precious time and lets the spices really cling to every surface
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to help those spices coat evenly without making the shrimp greasy
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: The backbone of our spice blend without overwhelming heat
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is what gives the shrimp that beautiful charred flavor even without a grill
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy and essential for that authentic taco taste we all crave
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Because fresh garlic can burn quickly at high heat and powder distributes evenly
• 2 cups green and 1 cup red cabbage: The color difference makes these tacos gorgeous and the flavor balance is perfect
• 1 small carrot: Julienned thin adds the sweetest little crunch that people will ask about
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Fresh herb brightness cuts through the rich crema and spices
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: The combination gives you creaminess with a bit of tang
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon honey: This dressing walks the perfect line between sweet and tart
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: The base for our crema needs to be thick enough to stay put on the taco
• Zest and juice of 1 lime: Both are crucial here because zest brings fragrance while juice brings the acid
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas: Warm them properly and they become the perfect vehicle for everything

Instructions

Season the shrimp:

Toss the shrimp with olive oil and all those beautiful spices until every piece is coated. Let them sit while you prep everything else because this little marinating time makes such a difference in flavor.

Make the slaw:

Combine both cabbages, carrot, and cilantro in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayo, yogurt, lime juice, honey, and seasonings then pour over the vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated and pop it in the fridge to stay crisp.

Whisk up the lime crema:

Mix the sour cream or yogurt with lime zest, juice, and salt until smooth. This tastes better after it sits for a few minutes so the lime flavor really develops.

Sear the shrimp:

Get your skillet good and hot over medium-high heat then add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and get those gorgeous charred spots.

Assemble your tacos:

Spread some lime crema on each warm tortilla then pile on the slaw and top with shrimp. Add extra cilantro, jalapeños if you like heat, and definitely serve with extra lime wedges for squeezing.

Save

My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year. Theres something about how customizable they are that makes everyone at the table feel taken care of.

Making Ahead

The slaw actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. I often prep it in the morning and keep the shrimp marinating separately so everything comes together fast at dinner time.

Perfect Pairings

A cold Mexican lager or classic margarita balances the spices beautifully. For sides, Mexican rice or black beans round out the meal without competing with the tacos.

Customization Ideas

Swap in fish or even cauliflower for the shrimp if you need a variation. The spice blend works beautifully on anything and the slaw ties it all together.

• Add diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for sweet contrast
• Try avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess
• Pickled red onions add a bright pop that cuts through rich elements

Save

These tacos have become our go-to for feeding a crowd with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Hope they find their way into your regular rotation too.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I season the shrimp for the tacos?

Use a blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to coat the shrimp before cooking.

→ What ingredients make up the cabbage slaw?

The slaw combines finely shredded green and red cabbage, julienned carrot, fresh cilantro, and a dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

→ How is the lime crema prepared?

Mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime zest, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth and tangy lime crema.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using certified gluten-free corn tortillas you can enjoy a gluten-free version without compromising flavor.

→ What cooking method is best for the shrimp?

Cook the shrimp quickly in a hot skillet or grill pan for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.

→ Are there any suggestions for extra flavor?

Adding a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp marinade enhances the spice level and adds depth to the flavors.