Easy Shrimp Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage Slaw
Introduction
Perfectly seasoned shrimp tacos with fresh crunchy cabbage slaw. These homemade tacos are bursting with flavor and come together in just 20 minutes! Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe balances zesty, savory shrimp with a crisp, tangy slaw for a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp honey
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, hot sauce, cotija cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, and red onion.
- Whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, and honey in a small bowl to make the slaw dressing.
- Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Warm tortillas in the skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas and topping with cabbage slaw.
- Garnish with optional toppings like avocado, hot sauce, or cotija cheese.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Shrimp Size: Medium shrimp (41/50 count) work best for tacos—they cook quickly and fit perfectly in tortillas.
- Slaw Make-Ahead: Prepare the slaw up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate. Drain excess liquid before serving for maximum crunch.
- Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas provide authentic flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer, more flexible wrap.
- Spice Level: Adjust heat by adding chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne to the shrimp seasoning.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? A: Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning.
- Q: How do I prevent soggy tacos? A: Keep slaw and shrimp separate until serving, and avoid over-dressing the slaw.
- Q: What can I substitute for mayonnaise? A: Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative with similar tangy creaminess.