Spicy Shrimp Garlic Lime Tacos (Printable version)
Seasoned shrimp in warm tortillas with creamy garlic cilantro lime slaw for a zesty taco night.
# What you need:
→ Spiced 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 blend
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 - Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
23 - Lime wedges for garnish
# How To:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly until every shrimp is evenly coated. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until pliable.
05 - Layer a generous portion of the garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with the spicy cooked shrimp, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slaw alone is worth making, and it doubles as a sandwich topping or side for anything grilled.
- Everything comes together in half an hour, which means you can pull this off on a random Tuesday without thinking twice.
02 -
- Do not walk away from the shrimp while they cook because thirty seconds too long turns them rubbery and sad.
- Making the slaw ahead of time actually improves it since the cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning so the spices adhere properly and you get a better sear.
- Letting the slaw sit in the fridge for at least ten minutes while you cook the shrimp transforms the texture from crisp to perfectly crunchy tender.