Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema Recipe

Introduction

These shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw and lime crema offer a fresh, zesty twist on a classic favorite. Tender, spiced shrimp are paired with a crunchy slaw and creamy lime sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. They’re quick to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Extra lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly and set aside to marinate while you prepare the slaw.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Step 3: Combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime zest, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl to make the lime crema. Set aside for assembly.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a light char. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: To assemble each taco, spread a spoonful of lime crema on a warmed tortilla. Top with a generous amount of cabbage slaw and a few cooked shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade or increase the amount of sliced jalapeños.
• You can substitute the shrimp for grilled fish or chicken for a different protein option.
• Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor.
• Make the slaw a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld, but keep it refrigerated until serving.
• For a dairy-free lime crema, try blending avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt instead of sour cream or yogurt.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking. Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain the crunch of the slaw.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra chili powder to the shrimp marinade, include sliced jalapeños as a topping, or drizzle with hot sauce to increase the heat according to your preference.

Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

These Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema offer a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring perfectly seasoned and pan-cooked shrimp, a crunchy, tangy cabbage slaw, and a zesty lime crema. This quick and easy recipe combines smoky spices with fresh citrus and creamy elements for a deliciously balanced taco experience perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 lb raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cabbage Slaw

• 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Lime Crema

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Assembly

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Extra lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: Combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated with the spices. Set aside to marinate as you prepare the slaw.
2. Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: In a large bowl, mix together the green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a smaller bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth to form the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to evenly coat. Refrigerate until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
3. Make the Lime Crema: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt with the lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and set aside for use during taco assembly.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and develop a light char. Remove the shrimp from heat once cooked through.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of lime crema onto each warmed tortilla. Add a generous portion of cabbage slaw on top, then place a few shrimp over the slaw. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeños to taste, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• You can substitute sour cream with all Greek yogurt for a lighter crema.
• Adjust the chili powder and jalapeños according to desired spice level.
• Use either corn or flour tortillas depending on preference or dietary needs.
• The slaw can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
• If shrimp are not available, this recipe can be adapted using grilled fish or chicken.

Keywords: Shrimp Tacos, Cabbage Slaw, Lime Crema, Mexican Tacos, Seafood Tacos, Quick Dinner, Spicy Shrimp, Summer Recipes