Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Zippy, creamy, and just a lil’ spicy, these cilantro lime shrimp tacos are your answer for dinner tonight! All you have to do is whip together an easy slaw and let some perfectly seasoned shrimp swim in a little cilantro honey lime bath and get all nice and saucy. Finish things up with avocado slices and a big squeeze of lime and muah! Your friends and family will be clambering to the dinner table for taco night.
- 1 Erica’s Notes
- 2 The Simple, Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Healthy Shrimp Tacos:
- 3 How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos:
- 4 Expert Tips to Make Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
- 5 Variation Ideas
- 6 FAQs
- 7 If you love a seriously delicious taco, you’ll love my other easy dinner recipes!
- 8 Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Erica’s Notes
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again- if I couldn’t only eat one meal for the rest of time… it would be tacos. Which admittedly, is a cheat answer because I believe tacos can be just about anything, or maybe it’s a genius answer…
The other day I was planning on making these blackened chicken tacos for dinner but 3pm rolled around and I realized that I hadn’t pulled the chicken breast out of the freezer. Oooof- why do I always do this, will I ever learn? I opened the freezer and a big bag of jumbo shrimp stared back at me. So- I pivoted. Because shrimp! Yay! They thaw so quickly!
I set out to make shrimp tacos. My vision was for a sweet and tangy, cilantro sauce that coated the shrimp with extra to drizzle over the tacos. And my friends, that’s what we got goin’ on here- a whole lotta fresh flavor. This meal is an easy weeknight dinner but yummy and special enough to serve to guests. My picky eaters (ages 2 and 4) did not care for the assembled tacos but I served them the slaw, shrimp and a cheese quesadilla separately and they enjoyed the meal that way! Lots of versatility here and options for modifying to make it family and kid-friendly.
After a long day of work and running after littles this easy shrimp tacos recipe totally hit the dinner spot. Balanced, nutritious and errrmegerrrd YUMMY. Let’s make ‘em!
The Simple, Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Healthy Shrimp Tacos:
Shrimp: I recommend wild-caught Argentinian shrimp- they are so tender and not fishy at all. I get them from Costco or Trader Joe’s. You can use frozen or fresh shrimp.
Seasonings: the shrimp are seasoned with a handful of simple spices you probably already have in your spice cabinet: salt, pepper, smoked paprka, garlic powder and chili powder. Alternatively you could use a tablespoon or so of your favorite taco seasoning.
Olive oil + butter: olive oil to initially sear the shrimp (you can also use avocado oil) and then butter to create an incredible honey lime sauce. The butter makes the sauce silky and so yummy.
Limes: you’ll need the zest and juice of a lime for the shrimp sauce, juice of a fresh lime for the slaw plus more for serving.
Honey: a little sweetness from honey balances the tangy lime juice and makes for a perfectly balanced sauce.
Cilantro: this recipe calls for one whole bunch of fresh cilantro- half finely chopped for the shrimp and the other half finely chopped for the slaw. Find cilantro in the refrigerated section of the produce department in any regular grocery store.
Green cabbage: I like to get a small head of green cabbage and finely shred it with a mandolin or my food processor. You can also buy a bag of slaw mix for a shortcut.
Greek yogurt: this is the creamy element for the slaw. I recommend 2% or full fat plain Greek yogurt for best flavor. You could also use sour cream but think Greek yogurt is just as good, if not better!
Avocado: what’s a taco without avocado slices!? Buy firm avocados and let them ripen on your counter instead of buying already ripe avocados- this is how I get perfect avocados every time!
Tortillas: corn tortillas, flour tortillas or a corn wheat blend- up to you!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos:
Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle on the spice rub spices: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and chili powder. Toss shrimp to get them evenly coated with seasonings.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp, taking care not to overcrowd the pan (you might need to work in 2 batches depending on the size of your pan). Cook shrimp for 90 seconds, flip and cook another 90 seconds, until the shrimp are opaque and have some golden brown caramelization on both sides.
Reduce the heat to low, add the butter, lime zest, 2 tablespoons of lime juice and honey to the sautéed shrimp, tossing to coat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and coating the shrimp. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro to finish the shrimp taco sauce.
Cilantro lime slaw
While the shrimp cook, make the cabbage slaw. Place cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Toss until the cabbage is evenly coated with herbs and yogurt. This slaw is not overly dressed, there should be just enough yogurt and lime juice to create a light, creamy sauce for the slaw.
Assembly
Place tortillas in the microwave, oven or over the gas flame of a gas stovetop (my preferred method) to warm up. In a tortilla add a scoop of creamy slaw and 4-6 shrimp. Spoon on some of that glorious cilantro honey lime sauce. Finish with avocado slices and another squeeze of lime.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
- To quickly thaw frozen shrimp place in a bowl of cold water.
- You can use whatever size shrimp you like, I like medium to large shrimp. The size is usually 16-20 per pound or 21-25 per pound.
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to get a better sear!
- Wait until the oil is hot before adding the shrimp.
- Warm the tortillas before adding fillings- this makes them more pliable and yummier. I like to do this over the gas flame of my stove top for a ‘charred effect’ but if you don’t have a gas stove warm them in the oven or microwave.
- Use the blade attachment on a food processor for thin, perfectly shredded cabbage.
Variation Ideas
- Sauce ideas: the lime cilantro sauce on these tacos is wonderful but if you like even MORE sauce, try this jalapeño crema or avocado sauce!
- Protein alternatives: you can make these tacos with cubed chicken breast, chicken thighs, salmon or white fish but know that the cooking times will vary based on which protein you use.
- Kick it up: make spicy shrimp tacos by adding a couple dashes of hot sauce or a big pinch of red pepper flakes to the cilantro lime sauce.
FAQs
Yes, but thaw before seasoning and cooking. You can place shrimp in the fridge overnight to thaw or run them under cold water for a quick thaw.
I wouldn’t recommend it. The best flavor and sauciness will come from rubbing raw shrimp with the spice mixture and simmering it in the sauce.
Replace the Greek yogurt in the slaw with a big swish of olive oil. The slaw won’t be as creamy but it will still be delicious. Use a non-dairy butter alternative for the sauce.
Use 100% corn tortillas or a certified gluten-free tortilla variety.
Mexican rice, black or pinto beans and any grilled vegetable all pair beautifully with shrimp tacos!
I’d recommend storing the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to eat, assemble your taco with a tortilla and fresh avocado slides.
If you love a seriously delicious taco, you’ll love my other easy dinner recipes!
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! If you love more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, @itsaflavorfullife, I love connecting with you all there!
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Tacos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Sweet and tangy cilantro shrimp, buttery avocado and creamy cilantro lime slaw wrapped in a soft tortilla hug and drizzled with extra sauciness- what kind of taco bliss is this!?
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, garlic powder and 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
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
The Rest
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
- avocado, sliced
- 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour, your preference)
- extra lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and chili powder. Toss shrimp to get them evenly coated with seasonings. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp, taking care not to overcrowd the pan (you might need to work in 2 batches depending on the size of your pan). Cook shrimp for 90 seconds, flip and cook another 90 seconds, until the shrimp are opaque and have some golden brown caramelization on both sides.
Reduce the heat to low, add the butter, lime zest and juice and honey, tossing to coat the shrimp and create a cohesive sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and coating the shrimp. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro to finish the sauce.
Slaw
Place cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Toss until the cabbage is evenly coated with herbs and yogurt. This slaw is not overly dressed, there should be just enough yogurt and lime juice to create a light, creamy coating for the slaw.
Assembly
Warm tortillas in the microwave, oven or over the gas flame of a gas stovetop (my preferred method). In a tortilla add a scoop of creamy slaw and 4-6 shrimp. Spoon on some of that glorious cilantro honey lime sauce. Finish with avocado slices and another squeeze of lime. Enjoy a few tacos, then mail me one mmkay?
Notes
Refer to above post for ingredient substitution ideas, expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions!
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 429
- Sugar: 12.6 g
- Sodium: 481.4 mg
- Fat: 17.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 7.9 g
- Protein: 30.3 g
- Cholesterol: 200.2 mg
I made these tonight and they were so amazing! The honey was a nice touch to add a little sweetness. I added some pineapple to ours which yummy. I will be making these again!
Ooooh pineapple is SUCH as excellent add! Thanks for your review Ashley, so glad you loved these!
Can we give this 10 stars?? SO GOOD AND FRESH!!
Super easy to follow perfect for a quick nutritious week night meal! This recipe is simply delicious!
Yay happy to hear it Maddy! Thanks for trying!
Quick and easy, this is the ideal shrimp 🦐 recipe for a fantastic taco night!
Woot woot! So happy you like this Yas! Thanks for your rating and review, I really appreciate it!
How many does this recipe feed? Will it make enough for 4 adults? Could everyone have 3 tacos?
It makes 8 total tacos, so 4 servings, 2 tacos each. Use 1.5-2lb shrimp and double the sauce if you’d like more tacos!
Best shrimp taco recipe
Thank you Liz!! I’m so happy you like it. Thank you for this review 🙂
Yummmmmm…so good, so amazing! Definitely a keeper. Quick to make, too. I love the shrimp cilantro lime tacos!
Looks perfect, definitely making this week! Do you think I can use frozen shrimp?
Yes! I like to defrost frozen shrimp in a bowl of cool water until thawed, pat dry with a paper towel and proceed with the recipe as written. Enjoy! 🙂
I found this recipe as I was looking to cook shrimps I had on the fridge… results: Beyond great! The blend of different flavours is gorgeous plus the spice and the honey together goes great. Thanks!
Woohoo! Thank you Yazmin, I’m so happy you tried them and thank you for your review!
This is my favorite shrimp taco recipe.
We loved it. I modified the recipe a bit by sauteing colored peppers and onions to add later to the shrimp mix.
Delicious 😋
Wonderful addition! Thank you Lianne!
I made these tonight and they came out absolutely fantastic! Spice from the shrimp seasonings balanced perfectly with the creamy bright slaw. I will absolutely be making them again
Yay!! So happy to hear Sam! Thanks for trying and thank you for your review!
This was so good. Very flavorful. Loved it.
Wonderful! Thank you Diane!
These tacos were DELISH! The recipe comes together really quickly which is perfect for a weekday, healthy meal. I was tempted to use less honey, but I’m so glad I went with the full amount! The slaw made with Greek yogurt is the perfect touch! Thank you Erica!!
Delicious! The creamy slaw is a nice compliment to the shrimp.
To die for! Only mod: Added garlic to the shrimp. This will be added to the regular rotation. Thank you!!
Woohoo! Happy to hear it, thanks Amanda!
I made this tonight to try something new. It is amazing! It came together quickly and has so much flavor! I doubled my shrimp for my family of 6 and my sauce didn’t really thicken up, but it didn’t bother us. I will for sure make this again.
Seriously delicious!!!! Thanks for a great shrimp recipe Erica 🙂
You’re welcome Eileen thanks for making it!