Variation
Spicy: Add sliced fresh jalapenos to the slaw.
Dinner · Seafood · Tacos · Mexican-American
Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Cilantro Slaw
These vibrant shrimp tacos are ready in just 20 minutes, featuring juicy spiced seafood and a crunchy, cooling cilantro lime slaw.
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Slaw Prep
- 1
Mix Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic until smooth.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter slaw.
- 2
Toss Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat. Set aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
Shrimp Prep
- 1
Season Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.
How to Make Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Cilantro Slaw
Total time: 20 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
- 2
Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp cook, warm your tortillas in a dry pan or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
- 3
Assemble the Tacos
Place 3 to 4 shrimp in the center of each warm tortilla. Top generously with the creamy cilantro slaw.
- 4
Add Garnishes
Finish each taco with a slice of avocado and a final squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving immediately.
Chef's Tips
- Patting the shrimp dry is essential for achieving a good sear rather than steaming them.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. They are finished as soon as they form a C-shape and turn opaque.
- For a crunchier slaw, mix it right before serving. For a softer texture, let it sit for 15 minutes.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Cilantro Slaw
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve with a side of Mexican street corn.
- Pair with a crisp hibiscus iced tea or a light lager.
- Add a side of black beans and rice for a fuller meal.
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Grilled: Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2 minutes per side.
Variation
Tropical: Add 50 g of diced mango to the slaw mixture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp tacos?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly in the pan.
What is the best way to warm tortillas for shrimp tacos?
The best way is to heat them directly over a low gas flame for a few seconds per side using tongs, or in a hot dry skillet until they bubble slightly.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and form a 'C' shape. If they curl into a tight 'O', they are likely overcooked.
Is the cilantro lime slaw for tacos dairy-free?
This version uses sour cream, but you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting with a vegan mayo or a cashew-based cream.
Can I make these shrimp tacos low carb?
Absolutely. Swap the tortillas for large butter lettuce leaves or serve the shrimp and slaw over a bed of cauliflower rice.
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