Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Sweet and tangy, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep, these tacos bring together vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy slaw, and fresh avocado all wrapped in warm tortillas makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp:
• For the Slaw:
• For the Tacos:
• How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
• Step 2: Make the Slaw
• Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
• How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Fresh Lime Wedges
• Hot Sauce Selection
• Pickled Red Onions
• Chopped Avocado
• Corn Salsa
• Tortilla Chips with Salsa
• How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes cilantro lime shrimp tacos unique?
• Can I use frozen shrimp?
• How can I customize my cilantro lime shrimp tacos?
• What sides pair well with cilantro lime shrimp tacos?
• Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The cilantro lime shrimp is seasoned to perfection, complementing the creamy slaw beautifully.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 28 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tacos as a main dish or serve them as appetizers at your next gathering.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs ensures a vibrant taste that’s both healthy and delicious.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the shrimp evenly and achieving that perfect caramelization.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly, especially when making the creamy slaw.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ 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 (from 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from the same lime)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped

For the Slaw:

• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
• Pinch of salt

For the Tacos:

• 8 small (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Extra lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
2. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
4. When the oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 90 seconds per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly caramelized.
5. Reduce heat to low; add butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Toss to coat shrimp in the sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.

Step 2: Make the Slaw

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Toss until evenly coated; ensure the slaw is lightly dressed for a creamy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm tortillas in the microwave, oven, or over a gas stovetop flame for a slight char.
2. Place a scoop of creamy slaw in each tortilla.
3. Add 4-6 shrimp per taco and drizzle with honey-lime sauce.
4. Top with avocado slices and an extra squeeze of lime. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

These cilantro lime shrimp tacos are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your taco experience.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Serve extra lime wedges alongside the tacos for a zesty kick that brightens the flavors of the shrimp and slaw.

Hot Sauce Selection

• Provide a variety of hot sauces for guests who enjoy an extra spicy twist, allowing them to customize their tacos to their liking.

Pickled Red Onions

• Add some tangy pickled red onions on top of the tacos for an added crunch and acidity that complements the creamy slaw.

Chopped Avocado

• Offer additional chopped avocado as a topping option for those who want more of that rich, buttery flavor in each bite.

Corn Salsa

• Serve with a refreshing corn salsa on the side, made with corn, tomatoes, and cilantro, for a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp.

Tortilla Chips with Salsa

• Pair these tacos with tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for a perfect appetizer or side dish. The crunchiness balances well with the soft tortillas.

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How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

To create the best version of cilantro lime shrimp tacos, consider these practical tips. They’ll help you achieve taco perfection every time!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh shrimp and vibrant veggies make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Watch your cooking time – Shrimp cook quickly; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
• Customize your slaw – Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or radishes for extra crunch and color.
• Warm your tortillas – Heating tortillas adds flavor and makes them pliable, preventing tears when filling.
• Experiment with toppings – Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like feta cheese or jalapeños for unique twists.
• Make ahead – Prepare the slaw in advance and marinate the shrimp beforehand for enhanced flavors when you’re ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Pairing side dishes with your cilantro lime shrimp tacos can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some delicious options that complement these tasty tacos perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice – A flavorful rice dish seasoned with spices that pairs well with shrimp tacos.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness, making them a hearty side option.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet grilled corn brushed with lime butter adds smoky goodness that goes well with seafood.
4. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing salad made from black beans, corn, peppers, and cilantro offers a refreshing crunch.
5. Guacamole – This classic avocado dip is always a hit; its creaminess matches perfectly with spicy flavors.
6. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad dressed in lime vinaigrette balances out the richness of the tacos.
7. Zucchini Fries – Crunchy baked zucchini fries provide a fun finger food option alongside your meal.
8. Chips & Guac – Crispy tortilla chips served with homemade guacamole create a satisfying pre-meal snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making cilantro lime shrimp tacos with creamy slaw, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; if overcooked, they become tough. Aim for 90 seconds per side to keep them tender.
• Skimping on seasoning: Don’t forget to fully season your shrimp! A lack of spices can lead to bland tacos, so ensure you coat them thoroughly.
• Using stale tortillas: Old tortillas can ruin the texture of your tacos. Always use fresh tortillas for that perfect warm and soft bite.
• Not letting the slaw sit: If you serve the slaw immediately, it may lack flavor. Letting it rest allows the ingredients to meld together for a tastier result.
• Ignoring lime juice freshness: Fresh lime juice elevates the dish. Bottled lime juice lacks flavor, so always opt for fresh limes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• You can freeze the shrimp and slaw separately.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.
• Consume within 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat tacos on a baking sheet until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the tacos for a couple of minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes cilantro lime shrimp tacos unique?

Cilantro lime shrimp tacos stand out due to their vibrant flavors from fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and creamy slaw, creating a refreshing bite.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them properly before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor in your tacos.

How can I customize my cilantro lime shrimp tacos?

You can customize by adding toppings like mango salsa, jalapeños, or different types of cheese. Experiment with ingredients that complement the flavors!

What sides pair well with cilantro lime shrimp tacos?

Great sides include black beans, Mexican rice, or a simple garden salad that enhances the meal without overpowering it.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! The slaw can be made a few hours ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.

Final Thoughts

Cilantro lime shrimp tacos with creamy slaw are not only delicious but also versatile. They allow for various customizations based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy spicy additions or extra toppings, these tacos are sure to impress any crowd. Try this recipe today and savor every bite!