These easy Shrimp Tacos with slaw are a delightful treat for any occasion! Bursting with fresh flavors and taking only 20 minutes to prepare, they offer juicy, seasoned shrimp nestled in warm tortillas. Topped with homemade slaw and a creamy cilantro lime sauce, these tacos shine at summer gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re serving them for family or friends, their vibrant taste is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vibrant veggies and herbs, these shrimp tacos are full of flavor.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños or guacamole for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a casual meal or a festive gathering treat.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in protein, this dish keeps things light and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the shrimp, ensuring they are perfectly seasoned and tender.
• Mixing Bowl: This is essential for preparing the slaw mixture, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping the shrimp while cooking and serving the tacos without mess.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Shrimp

• 2 pounds shrimp (shells/tails removed and deveined)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

For Assembling

• 12 corn tortillas (warmed)
• Cheese: Cotija or Queso Fresco (crumbled)
• Cilantro Lime Crema (Mexican Crema or Sour Cream)
• Avocado or Guacamole
• Pico De Gallo
• Cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Lime Wedges

How to Make Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced red onion, olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated. Set aside to let flavors develop.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add shrimp along with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and firm.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

While the shrimp cooks, warm your corn tortillas either in another skillet or by wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them in an oven set to low heat.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Once everything is ready, lay out your warmed tortillas. Top each one with shrimp, followed by a generous scoop of slaw. Add your choice of cheese, cilantro lime crema, avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Shrimp Tacos immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy your flavorful creation with friends or family!

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are a delightful dish that can be customized in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.

Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
• Jalapeños: Slice fresh jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty squeeze.

Creamy Additions

• Cilantro Lime Crema: Drizzle this creamy sauce over your tacos for added richness.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole make every bite more satisfying.

Salsas and Dips

• Pico De Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds a refreshing touch to your tacos.
• Salsa Verde: Offer salsa verde for a tangy alternative to traditional salsa.

How to Perfect Shrimp Tacos

Creating the perfect shrimp tacos is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips for a taco that’s sure to impress.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances the flavor and texture of your tacos significantly.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning the shrimp; Cajun seasoning is excellent for depth of flavor.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Heating corn tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their taste.
• Layer Smartly: Start with slaw, then add shrimp, and finish with toppings for even distribution of flavors.
• Experiment with Textures: Mix crunchy slaw with soft avocado or creamy sauces for delicious contrasts.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Tacos

Pairing the right side dishes with your shrimp tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro complements the flavors of shrimp tacos perfectly.
2. Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans adds protein and pairs well with the spices in your tacos.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with tomatoes, onion, and lime juice adds sweetness and crunch.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and onions bring smoky flavors that enhance the taco experience.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a classic appetizer or snack alongside your meal.
6. Guacamole Dip: Creamy guacamole is always a favorite; serve it as an extra dip option for your guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making shrimp tacos can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes you should steer clear of for the best results.

• Bold seasoning choice: Using too little seasoning on the shrimp can lead to bland tacos. Ensure you generously coat your shrimp with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.
• Bold overcooking shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them rubbery. Stick to a quick 5-minute cook time for tender, juicy shrimp.
• Bold skipping the slaw: Neglecting to add slaw means missing out on essential crunch and flavor. Always include a fresh slaw mix to balance the shrimp.
• Bold using cold tortillas: Serving your tacos in cold tortillas makes them less enjoyable. Warm your tortillas before filling them for a better experience.
• Bold neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings like cilantro or avocado reduces the flavor profile. Be sure to load up on your favorite toppings for added taste and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Shrimp Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• These can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Shrimp Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30-45 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm tacos for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making shrimp tacos that may help you during preparation.

How do I make shrimp tacos?

To make shrimp tacos, season the shrimp with spices, cook them quickly on high heat, and assemble them with slaw and your favorite toppings in warm tortillas.

What type of shrimp should I use for Shrimp Tacos?

Opt for medium or large-sized shrimp that are fresh or properly thawed if frozen. This ensures they cook evenly and have great texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Tacos?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly; just make sure to thaw them beforehand and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

What toppings go well with Shrimp Tacos?

Good toppings include avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro lime crema, jalapeños, and crumbled cheese like Cotija or Queso Fresco.

Are Shrimp Tacos healthy?

Shrimp tacos can be quite healthy! They provide lean protein and can be loaded with fresh vegetables when topped with slaw and other veggies.

Final Thoughts

These Shrimp Tacos are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. You can customize each taco according to personal preferences by adding different toppings or adjusting spice levels. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!

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Shrimp Tacos

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 (12 tacos) 1x

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Description

These Shrimp Tacos are a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Packed with succulent shrimp seasoned to perfection and topped with a refreshing homemade slaw, these tacos are a delightful choice for any gathering or weeknight dinner. Serve them in warm corn tortillas and drizzle with a creamy cilantro lime sauce for an extra punch of flavor. Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and fresh pico de gallo for a unique touch every time you make them. Ideal for both casual meals and festive occasions, these delicious shrimp tacos will impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 pounds shrimp (deveined)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 12 corn tortillas (warmed)
• Cheese: Cotija or Queso Fresco (crumbled)
• Cilantro Lime Crema (Mexican Crema or Sour Cream)
• Avocado or Guacamole
• Pico De Gallo
• Cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Lime Wedges

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, diced red onion, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well and set aside.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil. Once hot, add shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink.
3. Warm the corn tortillas in another skillet or oven.
4. Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas, topping with slaw and other desired toppings such as cheese, cilantro lime crema, avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and lime wedges.
5. Serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating sliced radishes or cucumbers into the slaw. Feel free to substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or beef if desired. To enhance flavors further, marinate the shrimp in the Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.