Imagine a dinner that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico with just one bite - these spicy shrimp tacos are about to become your new obsession! Packed with bold flavors, zesty lime, and a creamy cilantro slaw that'll make your mouth water, this recipe transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into a culinary adventure. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or just looking to add some excitement to your meal rotation, these shrimp tacos are guaranteed to impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and better searing.
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil and the prepared spice mixture, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are slightly charred.
- While shrimp are cooking, prepare the garlic cilantro lime slaw by combining shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, and fresh lime juice in a mixing bowl.
- Gently mix the slaw ingredients and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble tacos by placing cooked shrimp in each tortilla and topping with the prepared garlic cilantro lime slaw.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge if desired. Serve immediately while shrimp are hot.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure they get a perfect sear and don't steam in the pan.
- Use fresh lime juice for the slaw - it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They only need 2-3 minutes per side to become perfectly pink and tender.
- Warm your tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to your shrimp seasoning or include some diced jalapeños in the slaw.
- If you're meal prepping, keep the shrimp and slaw separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the cabbage.
- Experiment with different tortillas - while corn is traditional, flour tortillas can work well too.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
