Spicy Shrimp Tacos (Print)
Spiced shrimp in warm tortillas topped with crisp garlic cilantro lime slaw for a bold, zesty meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Spiced Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp chili powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
08 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
10 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
11 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
12 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - Juice and zest of 1 lime
18 - 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
19 - 1/4 tsp kosher salt
→ For Serving
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
21 - Lime wedges
22 - Fresh cilantro for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated on all sides. Set aside to marinate briefly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and purple cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lime juice and zest, honey, and salt until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and become opaque throughout. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
04 - Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over an open gas flame for about 15 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
05 - Layer a generous portion of the garlic cilantro lime slaw onto each warm tortilla. Top with the spicy shrimp and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
06 - Arrange the assembled tacos on a platter and serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The slaw gets better as it sits, so you can make it ahead and pretend you have your life together.
- Those shrimp cook in four minutes flat, which means dinner is on the table before anyone can ask what is for dinner.
02 -
- Do not overcook the shrimp because they go from perfect to rubber in about sixty seconds, so pull them off the heat the second they are pink and opaque.
- Making the slaw at least fifteen minutes ahead gives the cabbage time to soften slightly and the garlic time to mellow into the dressing.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning because any leftover moisture stops the spices from adhering and prevents that gorgeous sear.
- Toast the cumin in the dry skillet for thirty seconds before adding oil and shrimp to deepen the flavor in a way that makes people ask what your secret is.