Crispy Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Cabbage Slaw (20-Minute Meal!)
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
🔥 Perfectly spiced crispy shrimp
🥬 Crunchy, bright cabbage slaw
🥑 Creamy lime sauce that ties it all together
⏱ Ready in just 20 minutes
🌮 Endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green/purple mix)
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded & minced)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
For the Creamy Lime Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Slaw (5 minutes)
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño
- Whisk together lime juice, honey, and salt
- Toss with cabbage mixture and refrigerate
2. Prepare the Sauce (3 minutes)
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate
3. Cook the Shrimp (7 minutes)
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with spices and lime juice
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until opaque
4. Warm Tortillas (2 minutes)
- Char briefly over gas flame OR
- Wrap in damp paper towel and microwave 30 seconds
5. Assemble Tacos
- Spread sauce on warm tortillas
- Top with cabbage slaw
- Add 3-4 shrimp per taco
- Garnish with avocado and cotija
Pro Tips for Perfect Tacos
✔ Double the slaw – it keeps for 3 days
✔ Use fresh lime juice – bottled tastes flat
✔ Don’t overcrowd shrimp when cooking
✔ Warm tortillas properly – cold tortillas crack
Variations
- Grilled Shrimp: Cook on skewers over medium heat
- Mango Slaw: Add diced mango to cabbage mix
- Chipotle Sauce: Add 1 tbsp adobo sauce to crema
Serving Suggestions
🍹 Pair with margaritas or Mexican beer
🌽 Serve with Mexican street corn
🥑 Add a side of guacamole
Nutrition Info (Per Taco)
Calories: 180 | Protein: 12g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 7g
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes! Just warm with spices 1-2 minutes.
Q: How to make gluten-free?
A: Use corn tortillas (check labels).
Q: Can I prep ahead?
A: Slaw keeps 2 days; cook shrimp fresh.
Why This Recipe Works
These tacos deliver restaurant quality at home with:
✅ Textural contrast (crispy shrimp + crunchy slaw)
✅ Balanced flavors (spicy, creamy, tangy)
✅ Quick prep (faster than takeout)
Make it tonight and transport your taste buds to the coast of Baja! 🌮🍤
