Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend dinner, a casual gathering, or taco night with friends, these tacos bring fresh flavors that will impress everyone at the table. The combination of tender shrimp marinated in zesty lime and cilantro, paired with a creamy slaw, creates an unforgettable taste experience. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or festive celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, these tacos can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: The vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime infuse the shrimp, making each bite refreshing and delicious.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the toppings or tortillas to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra for lunch the next day; they taste just as good!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to make the process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- skillet
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- measuring spoons
- knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good quality skillet ensures even cooking of shrimp, enhancing flavor.
- Mixing Bowl: Ideal for marinating shrimp and mixing the creamy slaw.
- Spatula: Perfect for flipping shrimp without breaking them apart.
Ingredients
Sweet and tangy cilantro shrimp, buttery avocado and creamy cilantro lime slaw wrapped in a soft tortilla hug and drizzled with extra sauciness- what kind of taco bliss is this!?
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, garlic powder and chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from that same lime)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
For the Slaw
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)
Other Ingredients
- avocado, sliced
- 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour, your preference)
- extra lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and half of the chopped cilantro. Mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss until well-coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the slaw.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Slaw
In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage, remaining chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Place cooked shrimp on each tortilla followed by generous spoonfuls of creamy slaw. Top with sliced avocado.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over tacos before enjoying!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Cilantro lime shrimp tacos with creamy slaw are a vibrant dish that deserves creative serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your taco experience.
Fresh Toppings
- Sliced Avocado: Adds a buttery texture and complements the shrimp’s flavors.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa that brings additional zest and crunch.
- Pickled Red Onions: Provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
Sauces
- Extra Lime Crema: Drizzle this over the tacos for an added creamy tang.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes can give your tacos a spicy boost.
- Cilantro Dressing: Use this for a herbaceous touch that enhances the cilantro flavors.
Serving Style
- Taco Bar: Set up all ingredients on a table for guests to build their own tacos.
- Plated Presentation: Serve each taco on a plate with lime wedges and extra slaw on the side for an inviting look.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
For the best results, follow these tips to ensure your cilantro lime shrimp tacos are absolutely delicious.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Letting the shrimp sit in lime juice and spices for at least 15 minutes intensifies flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables make all the difference in taste and presentation.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook until just opaque; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly on a skillet to make them soft and pliable, enhancing texture.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Pairing side dishes with your cilantro lime shrimp tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice offers a flavorful complement.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro adds protein and fiber.
- Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime provides a perfect base for your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Chips and Salsa: A classic starter that pairs well with any taco dish, offering crunch and zest before the main event.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Missing the marinating time: Not letting the shrimp marinate can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to marinate for at least 15 minutes for full flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them rubbery. Aim for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin the dish’s freshness. Always opt for fresh cilantro, lime, and crisp cabbage.
- Not balancing flavors: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can result in an unbalanced taco. Regularly sample your slaw and shrimp mixture while preparing.
- Choosing the wrong tortillas: Using tortillas that are too thick may overpower the filling. Choose softer corn or flour tortillas for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Separate components: To maintain texture, store shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
- Freeze shrimp only: Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
- Avoid freezing slaw and tortillas: These components do not freeze well and are best made fresh.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap tacos in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Sauté on medium heat for a few minutes until hot, adding a bit of oil if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw.
How can I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw gluten-free?
You can easily make these tacos gluten-free by opting for corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are also gluten-free.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure the shrimp is thawed properly before marinating and cooking.
What toppings pair well with Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw?
Consider adding diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of extra lime for added flavor.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftover tacos stored correctly in the refrigerator will last up to 2 days. It’s best to keep components separate when storing.
Final Thoughts
These Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are not just delicious; they’re versatile too! Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings or swapping proteins. Try this recipe today and enjoy a burst of flavors wrapped in soft tortillas!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a vibrant and flavorful dish that will elevate any meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos combine tender marinated shrimp with a refreshing creamy slaw. The zesty lime and fresh cilantro in the marinade create an unforgettable explosion of flavor, while creamy avocado adds richness to each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb wild-caught shrimp
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 8 tortillas (corn or flour)
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, olive oil, lime juice, and honey. Add shrimp and marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, and additional lime juice to make the slaw.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook marinated shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas topped with slaw and sliced avocado.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
