Spicy Shrimp Tacos (Printer-Friendly)
Spiced shrimp in warm tortillas topped with crisp garlic cilantro lime slaw for a bold, zesty meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp chili powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
10 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
11 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
12 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - Juice and zest of 1 lime
18 - 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
19 - 1/4 tsp kosher salt
→ For Serving
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
21 - Lime wedges
22 - Fresh cilantro for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated on all sides. Set aside to marinate briefly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and salt until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and become opaque throughout. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over an open flame for about 15 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
05 - Place a generous scoop of garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with the spicy shrimp and garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between hot spiced shrimp and cool crunchy slaw keeps every bite interesting
- Everything comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so pull them the moment they turn pink and opaque
- Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes so the cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing
03 -
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning them or the spices will slide right off
- Warm your tortillas twice—once before filling and once again right before serving