Spicy Shrimp Tacos Garlic Slaw (Printable)
Seasoned shrimp with zesty garlic cilantro lime slaw in warm tortillas, ready in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Spiced Shrimp
01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
07 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
11 - 3 cups shredded green and red cabbage blend
12 - ½ cup carrots, shredded
13 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - ¼ cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
17 - 1 clove garlic, minced
18 - 1 teaspoon honey
19 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Assembly
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
21 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
22 - Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Fold in chopped cilantro. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat immediately.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds until pliable.
06 - Layer a generous portion of garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with seared shrimp and sliced avocado. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The slaw alone is worth making, and it doubles as a side for fish sandwiches or pulled pork the next day.
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes, which makes it faster than waiting for delivery.
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast, so pull them from the heat the second they curl into a C shape and turn opaque.
- Making the slaw ahead of time actually improves it, since the flavors meld and the cabbage softens just slightly.
03 -
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning so the spices adhere instead of sliding off into the bowl.
- A squeeze of lime juice over the assembled tacos right before eating brightens every single flavor on the plate.