Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delightful twist on traditional tacos. These vibrant shrimp tacos, paired with a creamy slaw, are perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. The combination of fresh cilantro and zesty lime elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a burst of deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these tacos bring joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 28 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cilantro, lime, and spices creates a refreshing taste that will leave your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or turkey if you prefer different proteins.
• Health-Conscious Choice: With nutritious ingredients like cabbage and Greek yogurt, these tacos are a tasty yet wholesome meal option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun of assembling their own tacos, making this dish great for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet is essential for perfectly cooking the shrimp while keeping them juicy and flavorful.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the creamy slaw ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Lime 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
• ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped

For the Creamy Slaw

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

For Serving

• 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 salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. Add the shrimp to this mixture and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Slaw

In another mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Mix well until everything is coated evenly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. On each tortilla, layer some creamy slaw followed by cooked shrimp. Top with sliced avocado.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for added zest. Enjoy these flavorful 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 not just delicious; they’re also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enhance the experience by pairing them with various accompaniments that elevate the flavors and textures.

Taco Bar Experience

• Create a fun taco bar where everyone can customize their tacos. Offer a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and extra cilantro for guests to choose from.

Pair with Extra Lime Wedges

• Fresh lime wedges add an extra burst of flavor. Encourage your guests to squeeze lime over their tacos for a zesty kick.

Serve with Avocado Slices

• Sliced avocado adds creaminess. Place fresh avocado slices on the side or directly in the taco for added richness.

Include Crispy Tortilla Chips

• Serve a bowl of tortilla chips alongside your tacos. They make a great crunchy complement and can be dipped in salsa or guacamole.

How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

To ensure your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Proper Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the shrimp. The right amount of salt and spices will elevate your tacos significantly.
• Chill the Slaw: Allow the creamy slaw to chill for a bit before serving. This enhances its flavors and gives it a refreshing crispness.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before assembling the tacos. Soft tortillas create a better texture and enhance enjoyment.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust lime juice and honey according to your taste preferences to achieve a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Pairing side dishes with Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw can take your meal to the next level. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro tossed in lime dressing offers a healthy side.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob smothered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice brings vibrant flavors.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip seasoned with lime and garlic adds freshness and pairs well with shrimp tacos.
4. Pineapple Salsa: A sweet and spicy salsa made from diced pineapple, jalapeños, onion, and cilantro brightens up any plate.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Light and fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime complements the shrimp beautifully.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender provide a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the fresh tacos.
7. Chips & Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with homemade or store-bought salsa make an easy yet satisfying appetizer.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the savory tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, there are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the shrimp is crucial for infusing flavor. Always allow at least 15 minutes for the shrimp to soak up the marinade before cooking.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Aim for just 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque.
• Using stale tortillas: Fresh tortillas make a significant difference in taste and texture. Always use soft, fresh tortillas for wrapping your tacos.
• Neglecting the slaw: The creamy slaw adds texture and balance. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for a well-rounded taco!
• Forgetting lime zest: Lime zest enhances the citrus flavor beyond just juice. Always add lime zest for an extra zing in your tacos.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• You can freeze the cooked shrimp separately from the slaw and tortillas.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers and they will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and cover with foil. 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 short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.

How spicy are these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder. You can adjust it according to your preference by adding less or more.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to keep it gluten-free.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the slaw?

You can use dairy-free yogurt or even sour cream if you prefer. Both will work well as substitutes.

How should I customize my Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos?

These tacos are versatile! Add toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or corn for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are not only delicious but also adaptable to your tastes. Feel free to customize toppings or even switch out proteins as desired. Enjoy these delightful tacos at your next meal!

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Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos each) 1x

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Description

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a vibrant and delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for any occasion. The succulent shrimp marinated in zesty lime and fresh cilantro deliver an explosion of flavor, while the creamy slaw adds a refreshing crunch. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these tacos will surely impress your guests and bring joy to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from about 1 lime)
• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 8 tortillas (corn or flour)
• Avocado slices for serving

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Add the shrimp and marinate for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. In another bowl, mix shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to create the slaw.
4. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by layering creamy slaw and cooked shrimp on each tortilla. Top with sliced avocado.
5. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 120mg