Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are the perfect blend of fresh, zesty flavor and creamy crunch — all wrapped in warm tortillas for a meal that’s quick, healthy, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for a casual get-together, these tacos bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: 30 minutes from start to finish
- Flavor Packed: Fresh lime, smoky spices, and juicy shrimp
- Customizable: Use corn or flour tortillas, dairy or dairy-free yogurt
- Great for Groups: Perfect for taco nights or casual entertaining
- Nutritious & Balanced: Protein, veggies, and healthy fats in every bite
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Additional:
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and cilantro. Toss shrimp in the marinade and set aside while you prep the slaw. - Prepare the Slaw
In another bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice. Mix well and let sit to blend the flavors. - Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat. - Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable. - Assemble the Tacos
Layer shrimp, slaw, and sliced avocado in each tortilla. Drizzle with pan juices if desired. - Serve
Plate with lime wedges on the side and enjoy immediately!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Servings: 4 (2 tacos per serving)
Nutrition Facts (Per Taco – Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Tips & Variations
- Want it spicier? Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp marinade.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt or mayo in the slaw.
- Grill the shrimp: For extra smoky flavor, cook shrimp on a grill pan or barbecue.
- Taco bar idea: Serve with bowls of toppings like jalapeños, cotija cheese, or salsa verde.
- Meal prep friendly: Store components separately and assemble when ready.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw and pat dry before marinating.
What’s the best tortilla to use?
Corn for a traditional feel, flour for a soft bite — both work great!
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild by default, but easy to spice up with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I swap the slaw ingredients?
Absolutely. Try red cabbage, shredded carrots, or radishes for variation.
What goes well on the side?
Try Spanish rice, elote (Mexican street corn), or a citrusy cucumber salad.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all shrimp marinade ingredients in a bowl and toss shrimp to coat. Let sit.
- In a second bowl, mix slaw ingredients and chill.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp 2–3 mins per side.
- Warm tortillas.
- Fill each tortilla with shrimp, slaw, and avocado.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
– Substitute dairy-free yogurt for a vegan-friendly slaw.
– Best enjoyed fresh, but slaw can be prepped ahead.
Conclusion
These cilantro lime shrimp tacos are everything you want in a weeknight meal — quick, flavorful, fresh, and family-friendly. The combination of smoky shrimp and cool, creamy slaw hits all the right notes. Top with avocado, add a squeeze of lime, and you’ve got a taco night to remember!