Description
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw are fresh, flavorful tacos featuring seasoned, sautéed shrimp paired with a crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw, topped with a creamy lime sauce and served in warm tortillas. This quick and easy recipe combines bright, zesty flavors with tender seafood, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a festive summer gathering.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cabbage Slaw
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lime Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For Serving
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the cabbage slaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly mix the slaw ingredients and infuse fresh lime flavor.
- Make the lime sauce: Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using) in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the tortillas: Gently warm the corn or flour tortillas using a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the tacos: Lay the warm tortillas flat and evenly distribute the cabbage slaw among them. Top each with cooked shrimp, then drizzle with the lime sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced avocado if desired and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for added zest.
Notes
- Add sliced jalapeños to the slaw or on top of the tacos for extra heat.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan cooking.
- These tacos pair well with sides like rice, beans, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
