Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are your new go-to for a zesty, satisfying meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with bold flavor. Whether you’re craving something light on a summer evening or throwing together a fun taco night, these shrimp tacos are a guaranteed hit. With tangy marinated shrimp, crunchy creamy slaw, and buttery avocado slices wrapped in warm tortillas—this dish delivers freshness in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🕒 Fast & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners
- 🌿 Fresh & Flavorful: Cilantro and lime make the shrimp sing
- 🥬 Healthy: Packed with protein and veggies
- 🌮 Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap tortillas
- 👨👩👧👦 Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family meals or entertaining
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Additional:
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and cilantro. Toss well and marinate for at least 15 minutes. - Prepare the Slaw
In another bowl, mix cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Stir until creamy and let sit while the shrimp marinates. - Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. - Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas in a pan or microwave until soft and pliable. - Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with shrimp, slaw, and avocado. Drizzle with leftover sauce from the pan and squeeze lime juice over the top.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 4 (2 tacos per person)
Nutrition Facts (Per Taco)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Sugar: 6g
Tips & Variations
- 🌮 Use grilled tortillas for a smoky touch
- 🧀 Add cotija cheese or feta for extra saltiness
- 🌶️ Spice it up with jalapeños or chipotle mayo
- 🥗 Try swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred
- ❄️ Make ahead: Marinate shrimp up to 1 day in advance
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before marinating.
What tortillas are best?
Corn tortillas for a classic touch, or flour if you prefer something softer.
Can I customize the slaw?
Absolutely! Add carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch.
Are these spicy?
Mild with a kick from chili powder, but easily adjustable.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Equipment
- – Skillet
- – Mixing bowls
- – Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- **For the shrimp**
- – 1 lb wild-caught shrimp
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – 1 tsp smoked paprika
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1 tsp chili powder
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 1 tsp lime zest
- – 2 tbsp lime juice
- – 2 tbsp honey
- – ½ bunch cilantro chopped
- **For the creamy slaw**
- – 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- – ½ bunch cilantro
- – ½ cup Greek yogurt
- – 2 tbsp lime juice
- **Additional**
- – 8 tortillas corn or flour
- – 1 avocado sliced
- – Lime wedges
Instructions
- Mix shrimp marinade ingredients and toss shrimp in it. Let sit 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine slaw ingredients. Set aside.
- Cook shrimp in butter over medium-high heat, 2–3 minutes per side.
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Assemble tacos: shrimp, slaw, avocado, lime squeeze.
Notes
– Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream if desired
– Add jalapeños for heat
Conclusion
These cilantro lime shrimp tacos are everything you want in a taco: fresh, fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With their balanced mix of spice, tang, and creaminess, they’re sure to win over anyone at the table. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a summer dinner party, this is a recipe worth repeating.