Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are the perfect blend of zesty shrimp, creamy slaw, and buttery avocado all wrapped in a warm tortilla. These tacos are not only bursting with flavor but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. The vibrant colors and textures will impress your guests, while the delightful combination of cilantro and lime creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.

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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 Assembly
• How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Marinade
• Step 2: Make the Creamy Slaw
• Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
• Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Taco Bar Setup
• Extra Lime Wedges
• Fresh Cilantro Garnish
• Sliced Avocado
• Spicy Sauce Options
• Refreshing Drinks
• 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
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw?
• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
• What toppings go well with Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw?
• How long does it take to make these tacos?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 28 minutes, you can whip up these delicious tacos even on busy nights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cilantro, lime, and spices brings a unique taste that elevates the traditional taco experience.
• Versatile Options: Customize your tacos by adding your favorite toppings or using different types of tortillas like corn or flour.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and fresh veggies, these tacos are a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful tacos, making them a hit at family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the shrimp quickly and evenly over high heat.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining the creamy slaw ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensure precision when adding spices and other ingredients for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Sweet and tangy cilantro shrimp, buttery avocado, and creamy cilantro lime slaw wrapped in a soft tortilla hug—what kind of taco bliss is this!?

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 that same lime)
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Slaw

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

For Assembly

• Avocado, sliced
• 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour, your preference)
• Extra lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, olive oil, butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until well coated. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the slaw.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Slaw

In another mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. On each tortilla, layer some creamy slaw followed by a portion of cooked shrimp. Top with sliced avocado and extra cilantro if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delightful main dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate these tacos.

Taco Bar Setup

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and ingredients in separate bowls, allowing guests to customize their tacos as they like.

Extra Lime Wedges

• Serve extra lime wedges on the side for those who love an extra zesty kick in their tacos.

Fresh Cilantro Garnish

• Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the tacos just before serving for added flavor and freshness.

Sliced Avocado

• Place slices of creamy avocado alongside the tacos for a rich texture and taste contrast.

Spicy Sauce Options

• Offer a selection of spicy sauces or salsas, like chipotle sauce or mango salsa, for those who enjoy heat.

Refreshing Drinks

• Pair your tacos with refreshing drinks such as limeade or a light Mexican beer to complement the flavors.

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How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

To ensure your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and vibrant vegetables will make your tacos taste amazing and colorful.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Cook shrimp until just pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough.
• Customize the slaw: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or radishes to the creamy slaw for extra crunch.
• Warm the tortillas: Lightly warm tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave before filling them for better texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

These Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some top suggestions:

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with lime, cheese, and spices; it’s sweet and savory!
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro; it’s packed with protein.
3. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for a delicious starter.
4. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime; it adds brightness to your meal.
5. Cilantro Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with cilantro and lime juice; it’s fragrant and pairs perfectly.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled until tender; they offer a nice contrast in texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the shrimp can lead to bland tacos. Allow the shrimp to soak in lime juice and spices for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink; overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on them, as they only take a few minutes to cook.
• Using dry slaw: A creamy slaw enhances the tacos. If your slaw is too dry, add more Greek yogurt or lime juice to achieve a creamy texture.
• Ignoring seasoning levels: Under-seasoning can dull flavors. Taste your shrimp and slaw before serving and adjust with salt and lime juice if needed.
• Choosing the wrong tortillas: Using thick tortillas can overpower the filling. Opt for soft corn or flour tortillas that complement the shrimp and slaw.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• Freeze the shrimp separately from the slaw and tortillas.
• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Enjoy within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place tacos on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm a skillet over medium heat, add tacos, and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw?

To prepare these tacos, marinate shrimp in lime juice, seasonings, and sauté them. Combine cabbage with Greek yogurt and cilantro for slaw, then assemble in tortillas.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

What toppings go well with Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw?

Consider adding sliced avocado, fresh tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make these tacos?

The total time is around 28 minutes, including prep and cooking time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding your favorite toppings or swapping ingredients based on what you have. Enjoy this fresh twist on taco night!