Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw are fresh, zesty, and full of flavor! Juicy shrimp seasoned with smoky spices, tucked into warm tortillas, and topped with creamy avocado and tangy cilantro lime slaw. A quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for taco night!
Ingredients
Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water if needed, to thin sauce
Shrimp Taco Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
For the Tacos
- 1 lb. large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 2 –3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 8 small tortillas corn or flour
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until mostly smooth. Thin with a little water if needed.
- Prepare the Slaw: Toss some of the sauce with the shredded cabbage until coated. Reserve remaining sauce for drizzling.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with spice mix. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 5–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until pink and cooked through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas. Add smashed avocado, slaw, shrimp, Cotija cheese, extra sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp – they only need a few minutes until pink and opaque.
- Adjust spice to taste by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Swap shrimp for chicken, fish, or tofu if desired.