These Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are bursting with flavor! Juicy shrimp get a bright kick from lime and fresh cilantro, all tucked into soft tortillas.
To top it off, the creamy slaw adds a crunchy twist. Honestly, it’s like a fiesta in your mouth! I love serving these with a side of lime wedges for that extra zing. 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well in this dish. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try chicken breast or firm tofu as alternatives. Both can soak up the flavors beautifully!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the shrimp. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil is a great substitute and has a high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key, offering a bright flavor. If you find cilantro too strong, try fresh parsley or basil for a different twist.
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds crunch to the slaw. You can swap it for red cabbage for added color or use a mix of coleslaw mix for convenience.
Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, Greek yogurt provides creaminess. You can use sour cream or even plant-based yogurt if you want to keep it dairy-free.
How Do I Marinate Shrimp Properly?
Marinating shrimp adds flavor and moisture. Just make sure not to overdo it, as shrimp can become tough if left too long. Here’s how:
- Combine shrimp with olive oil, spices, and lime juice in a bowl. This helps the shrimp soak in flavors.
- Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. This is enough time for the shrimp to absorb the marinade without becoming tough.
A personal tip: If you’re in a rush, even marinating for just 5-10 minutes will still enhance the flavor. Just don’t forget to discard any leftover marinade before cooking!
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 35-40 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating the shrimp while you make a quick and easy creamy slaw. Then, cooking and assembling the tacos will take about 15 minutes more. So, in no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling adventurous!). Squeeze in the juice of 2 limes, add the lime zest, chopped cilantro, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp is well coated in the mixture. Let it sit to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb all those zesty flavors.
2. Make the Creamy Slaw:
While the shrimp marinates, let’s whip up the creamy slaw! In a separate large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage with Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, and then set it aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp has marinated, heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While your shrimp is cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or right on the grill for a short time—just until they’re flexible and have little char marks. This step adds a nice flavor!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a tortilla and lay down a few succulent shrimp on top. Add some slices of creamy avocado and then pile on a generous scoop of the creamy slaw. Feel free to load them up with as much as you like!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos right away while they’re hot. You can add extra lime wedges on the side and sprinkle more fresh cilantro on top for an added touch of flavor. Enjoy your zesty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they pick up the marinade well!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Slaw?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works great as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt or even a mix of mashed avocado and a bit of lime juice for creaminess. Just adjust the honey to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos or Ingredients?
Store any leftover shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. To reheat the shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet. Serve them fresh in newly warmed tortillas for best results!
Can I Add Other Toppings to My Tacos?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or shredded cheese. A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of feta cheese can also add a delicious twist!
