Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw offer a fresh and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight. With a zesty marinade and crunchy slaw, these tacos are both vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Extra cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add green and red cabbage, red onion, and cilantro. Toss well to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Step 5: To assemble, layer shrimp and cabbage slaw in each tortilla. Garnish with lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, and extra cilantro if desired.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the slaw or shrimp marinade.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter slaw dressing.
• Try flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more authentic taste.
• To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking — they should turn just opaque and firm.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp briefly in a skillet or microwave before assembling tacos. Keep slaw chilled and fresh for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed with marinating as directed.

Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely. The slaw can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated, which allows the flavors to meld nicely.

Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

Delicious and vibrant Shrimp Tacos with a crunchy cabbage slaw, perfectly seasoned and ready in just 30 minutes. This easy recipe features marinated shrimp cooked in a skillet, complemented by a tangy and creamy cabbage slaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Cabbage Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Sliced jalapeños (optional), for garnish
• Extra cilantro (optional), for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything well to combine and then refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Warm your choice of corn or flour tortillas either in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or briefly in the microwave until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Place a portion of cooked shrimp on each tortilla, top with a generous helping of the cabbage slaw. Garnish with lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, and extra cilantro as desired for added flavor and freshness.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy these vibrant shrimp tacos right away while warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• If you prefer spicier tacos, add more chili powder or include sliced jalapeños in the slaw.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.
• Slaw can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 4 hours for convenience.

Keywords: shrimp tacos, cabbage slaw, seafood tacos, Mexican tacos, quick dinner, easy tacos, lime shrimp, skillet shrimp