Name: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped; 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage; 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice; Pinch of salt; Avocado, sliced; 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour); Extra lime wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor, color, and freshness, look no further than these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw. Juicy, seasoned shrimp get enveloped in warm tortillas, nestled on a bed of tangy, herby slaw, and adorned with buttery, zesty sauce—each bite is the definition of craveable. This is one of those dishes that always brings a little excitement to the table, and after a single taste, I have no doubt you’ll want to make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw again and again!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is how approachable the ingredient list is—each component brings something unique, from depth of flavor to crunch and brightness. You’ll have most of these items in your pantry or fridge already, but don’t underestimate how much each one adds to the fiesta on your plate.

Shrimp: Wild-caught, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook up sweet and juicy, soaking in all the spices and sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essentials for seasoning and drawing out the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness that makes the shrimp irresistible.
Garlic Powder: Adds that all-important savory backbone to the spice blend.
Chili Powder: Gives just the right amount of kick and color.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp quickly, locking in juiciness and flavor.
Butter: Adds a silky, rich finish to the sauce and helps bind the flavors together.
Lime Zest and Juice: Fresh lime wakes everything up, packing in vibrant citrus notes from both zest and juice.
Honey: Balances the zesty, savory ingredients with a pop of sweetness.
Cilantro: This herb brings freshness and that unmistakable, vibrant flavor—don’t skimp!
Green Cabbage: Provides the crunchy, refreshing base for the creamy slaw.
Greek Yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and lighter than mayo, this forms the backbone of the slaw’s dressing.
Tortillas: Corn or flour, whichever you prefer—just make sure to warm them for the best texture.
Avocado: Sliced avocado lends creaminess and a bit of indulgence to every taco.
Extra Lime Wedges: For that final zing at the table, more lime is always a good idea!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

First up, get those shrimp ready for greatness. Pat them very dry with a paper towel—this ensures they’ll sear instead of steam. Sprinkle your salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder all over, then toss so every shrimp is evenly coated. Trust me, this extra minute of prep sets the stage for delectable flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let them cook for about 90 seconds per side, just until they turn opaque and lightly golden. The magic happens fast, so keep an eye out—you want caramelized edges, not overcooked shrimp!

Step 3: Make the Buttery Lime Sauce

Once all your shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. The butter melts, the citrus brightens, and the honey brings a gentle sweetness. Toss the shrimp in this luscious mixture and simmer for a couple minutes until everything is glossy and wonderfully fragrant. Finish with a healthy handful of chopped cilantro right before serving.

Step 4: Toss the Creamy Slaw

While the shrimp are doing their thing, toss together your cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and more lime juice in a large bowl. Just a pinch of salt brings it together. The key here is lightness—the slaw should be creamy but not heavy, letting the fresh crunch and herbal notes shine without overpowering the shrimp.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas (my favorite trick is a quick pass over a gas flame for that charred edge), then add a generous scoop of creamy slaw. Top with four to six plump shrimp, a nice drizzle of the cilantro-honey-lime sauce, a couple slices of avocado, and an extra squeeze of lime. The combination is absolute taco heaven, and you’ll be hard pressed not to dive in immediately!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Garnishes

Bring extra flair by topping Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw with even more chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a few more lime wedges. A little diced red onion or sliced radish add crunch and visual pop, if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

These tacos play well with a side of black beans, crisp tortilla chips, or a quick mango salsa for bright, sweet contrast. For a heartier meal, try serving Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw alongside street corn or a simple avocado salad—everything complements those zesty, fresh flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the tacos on a big platter for family-style dining, or set up a build-your-own station for a fun taco night. You can even make mini versions using smaller tortillas for party appetizers—in any form, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw steal the show and invite everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (it’s rare, but it happens!), keep the shrimp, slaw, and tortillas in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess, so leftovers feel nearly as good as the first round.

Freezing

While the slaw doesn’t freeze well, the shrimp actually do! Freeze them (sauce and all) in a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whip up a fresh batch of slaw whenever you’re ready to indulge in more Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you can—it’ll keep the texture of the shrimp much better, preserving the taco magic!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and searing. Frozen shrimp work beautifully in Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw and are a super convenient way to keep taco night on standby.

What’s the difference between corn and flour tortillas here?

Both types of tortillas are delicious, but corn tortillas offer earthy flavor and gluten-free goodness, while flour tortillas are softer and a bit more pliable. Feel free to use whichever suits your taste or make a batch of each for variety!

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the slaw?

Yes! You can use sour cream or regular plain yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. The main thing is to keep the slaw creamy but light, in perfect balance with the bold shrimp flavors.

How spicy are these tacos?

They have a hint of warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but overall, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are pretty mild. To turn up the heat, add a dash of hot sauce or fresh sliced jalapeño at the table!

Can I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw ahead of time?

You can prep the slaw and sauce a few hours in advance and sear the shrimp just before serving for the best texture. For parties, you can have everything ready and assemble tacos as friends arrive—easy, impressive, and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into the incredible flavors of Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw! This dish never fails to bring a little celebration to the table—so gather around, squeeze that extra wedge of lime, and let these tacos steal the spotlight at your next meal.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Succulent shrimp seasoned with a blend of spices, cooked to perfection in a honey-lime butter sauce, then paired with a refreshing creamy slaw and wrapped in warm tortillas. A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy elements in every bite!

Instructions

Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, season with spices. Cook in olive oil until opaque. Add butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cilantro.
Slaw: Mix cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and salt until coated.
Assembly: Warm tortillas, add slaw, shrimp, sauce, avocado, and lime. Enjoy!

Notes

You can char the tortillas for added flavor.
Adjust spice levels to suit your preference.
Feel free to customize the toppings with salsa, hot sauce, or additional veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican