Spicy Shrimp Tacos Garlic Slaw (Printable Version)
Seasoned shrimp with zesty garlic cilantro lime slaw wrapped in warm tortillas for taco night.
# What You Need:
→ Spicy Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp chili powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
11 - 3 cups shredded green and red cabbage mix
12 - 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
16 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
17 - 1 clove garlic, minced
18 - 1 tsp honey
19 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Assembly
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
21 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
22 - Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated in the spice mixture.
02 - In a large bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Remove from heat immediately.
04 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until pliable.
05 - Layer a generous portion of slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with spicy shrimp, avocado slices, and a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice rub comes together with pantry staples you probably already have, and it transforms plain shrimp into something that tastes like you marinated it all day.
- That creamy, garlicky slaw is so good you will want to put it on everything from fish sandwiches to grilled chicken bowls.
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and sad, so pull them off the heat the second they curl into a C shape and turn opaque throughout.
- Making the slaw ahead of time actually improves it because the cabbage softens slightly and absorbs more of the dressing flavor.
03 -
- If your skillet is not hot enough when the shrimp go in, you will never get that caramelized edge that makes these tacos unforgettable, so let the pan preheat for at least two full minutes.
- A tiny pinch of sugar in the shrimp seasoning creates a crust that browns beautifully and adds a barely there sweetness that balances the heat.