Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are the ultimate taco experience! These vibrant tacos feature sweet and tangy shrimp, creamy slaw, and buttery avocado all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even festive occasions, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors that will impress any crowd. The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty lime makes these tacos a standout choice for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 28 minutes from start to finish, these tacos fit perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Bursting with Flavor: The cilantro lime marinade and creamy slaw create a delicious flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve as party appetizers; they suit any occasion!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, these tacos are a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Perfect for Customization: Feel free to swap in your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to cater to your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Zester
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking for the shrimp, giving them that perfect char.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining the slaw ingredients and marinating the shrimp evenly.
• Zester: Helps extract vibrant lime zest without the bitter white pith.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping shrimp while cooking without damaging their delicate texture.

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 Creamy Slaw

• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 whole lime)

For Assembly

• 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 Shrimp Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. Add the peeled shrimp to this mixture. Toss well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Slaw

In another mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage with chopped cilantro. Mix Greek yogurt and lime juice together until smooth. Pour over cabbage mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Layer each tortilla with creamy slaw followed by cooked shrimp. Top with sliced avocado. Drizzle additional sauce if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for an added zesty kick! Enjoy!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.

Fresh Toppings

• Sliced Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick with fresh jalapeño slices.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Brighten your tacos with juicy, diced tomatoes.
• Feta Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle for a tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Squeeze of Lime

• Fresh Lime Juice: A drizzle of lime juice just before eating enhances the flavors beautifully.
• Lime Zest: Add zest on top for an extra citrus punch.

Garnish Ideas

• Microgreens: These tiny greens add freshness and visual appeal.
• Extra Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro gives vibrant color and taste.

Perfect Pairings

• Hot Sauce: Offer a selection of hot sauces for those who like it spicy.
• Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess to balance out the flavors.

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How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

To create the perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, consider these helpful tips.

• Seasoning: Ensure you properly season your shrimp for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and lime for the best taste in your slaw.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before filling them to enhance their texture.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the honey in the slaw to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Pairing side dishes with your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos can elevate the meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated in creamy sauce and spices makes a delicious side.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, and cilantro adds protein and crunch.
3. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips complements the tacos perfectly.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brightens up any plate.
5. Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with spices pairs well as a traditional side dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add a healthy touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are key mistakes to avoid to ensure your tacos are perfect every time.

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; if overcooked, they become rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.

• Skipping the marinade: The marinade adds flavor. Don’t skip it! Let the shrimp soak in the lime juice and spices for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.

• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin your dish. Always opt for fresh cilantro, lime, and cabbage to enhance flavor and crunch.

• Forgetting about texture: A good taco has a balance of textures. Make sure your slaw is crunchy and your shrimp juicy for an enjoyable bite.

• Not warming tortillas: Cold tortillas can break easily. Warm them up in a skillet or microwave before filling them for a better taco experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Separate the shrimp from the slaw to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• Freeze shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Slaw can be frozen as well, but it’s best fresh for texture.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat on high for 30-60 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop: Place tacos in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw that might help you out!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

What type of tortillas work best?

Corn tortillas provide a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture. Choose based on your personal preference!

How can I customize my slaw?

You can add ingredients like carrots or jalapeños for extra crunch and spice. Feel free to experiment!

Are these tacos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas, yes! They are gluten-free. Check labels on any additional ingredients if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to fit your tastes by adding different toppings or adjusting spice levels. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring joy to any meal!