Description
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw offer a vibrant, flavorful twist on classic tacos. Featuring succulent shrimp coated in a bold chili and cumin spice blend, paired with a creamy, zesty garlic cilantro lime sauce that doubles as a slaw dressing and taco topping, this recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines freshness with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce and Slaw
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water (if needed, to thin sauce)
For the Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
Additional Ingredients
- 2–3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Pulse all the sauce ingredients (oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, sour cream or Greek yogurt) in a food processor or blender until mostly smooth. Add up to 1/4 cup water if needed to thin the sauce to a pourable consistency.
- Prepare the Slaw: Toss about half of the prepared sauce with the shredded green cabbage to create a tangy, creamy slaw. Reserve the remaining sauce to use as a taco topping later.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and coarse sea salt. Coat the shrimp evenly with the spice mix. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp until they are opaque and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas lightly. Smash the avocados and spread a layer on each tortilla. Add a generous scoop of the garlic cilantro lime slaw, followed by several spiced shrimp. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese and a squeeze of fresh lime wedges. Drizzle with the reserved extra sauce for added flavor and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- You can prepare the sauce and slaw ahead of time to save on meal prep.
- Serve with additional lime wedges for extra zest and brightness.
