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Flavorful Shrimp Taco Tuesday Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Slaw

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A quick and easy shrimp taco recipe featuring smoky, spicy shrimp paired with a fresh, tangy cilantro lime slaw. Perfect for busy weeknights and Taco Tuesday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
  • Optional: sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or pickled jalapeños for toppings

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and juice of half a lime. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage with chopped cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to combine thoroughly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Heat skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook without moving for about 2 minutes.
  6. Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel until pliable and warm.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, topping generously with cilantro lime slaw and optional toppings.
  9. Squeeze extra lime juice over tacos and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. If slaw is too wet after sitting, gently squeeze excess moisture out before serving. Warm tortillas just before assembling for best texture. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas; for dairy-free, substitute mayo with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt. Fresh parsley can replace cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, cilantro lime slaw, easy shrimp recipe, Taco Tuesday, seafood tacos, quick dinner, weeknight meal