Why You’ll Love Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

This recipe delivers big on texture and flavour, yet stays surprisingly simple. The spice-rubbed shrimp offer a satisfying lively heat, while the slaw adds creaminess and cooling contrast thanks to lime and cilantro. You’ll love how quickly everything comes together—perfect for a weeknight dinner or for serving friends without being stuck in the kitchen. The combination of avocado, slaw, shrimp and tortillas packs a lot of interest in each bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (for the spice mix)
Coarse sea salt
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Shredded cabbage (green or purple)
Sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
Fresh lime juice
Garlic cloves
Green onions
Fresh cilantro leaves
Tortillas (corn or flour)
Avocados
Crumbled Cotija cheese (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

Directions

Prepare the garlic cilantro lime sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, sour cream (or yogurt), and a splash of water. Blend until mostly smooth.
Make the slaw: In a bowl, toss shredded cabbage with some of the prepared sauce. Set aside the remaining sauce for drizzling.
Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry. Toss with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and sea salt.
Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 5–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly crisp on the edges.
Assemble the tacos: Warm the tortillas. Add smashed avocado to each tortilla, followed by a portion of slaw and a few shrimp. Top with Cotija cheese if using, an extra drizzle of sauce, and a lime wedge for serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 (about 8 small tacos)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use purple cabbage for a colorful twist.
Try corn tortillas for a gluten-free and more traditional base, or flour tortillas for a softer wrap.
Make the slaw dairy-free by using plant-based yogurt or cashew cream.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne or including fresh chopped chili.
Swap shrimp for firm white fish, grilled chicken, or tofu for a different protein option.
Make it low-carb by using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Add fresh fruit toppings like mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep shrimp, slaw, sauce, and tortillas stored separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of oil. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or oven.
Note: Assemble tacos fresh just before serving to avoid soggy tortillas and watery slaw.

FAQs

What size shrimp should I use?

Large shrimp work best—they’re easy to cook and provide a satisfying bite in each taco.

Can I substitute the cilantro in the sauce?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a mild alternative, though the flavor will be different.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.

What if I don’t have a blender or food processor?

Finely chop the ingredients and whisk them together with the sour cream and lime juice. The result will be chunkier, but still tasty.

How can I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp until just opaque and pink. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so remove them from heat as soon as they’re done.

Can I meal-prep any part of this recipe?

Yes, the sauce and slaw can be made ahead, and the shrimp can be cooked and stored separately. Assemble the tacos just before serving.

What sides pair well with these tacos?

Great side options include black bean and corn salad, guacamole and chips, cilantro lime rice, or grilled veggies.

How spicy are these tacos by default?

They’re moderately spicy. You can easily tone down the heat by omitting the cayenne or dial it up with more chili powder or fresh peppers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute shrimp with grilled halloumi, tofu, or roasted cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw offer a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they’re a great go-to for weeknights or casual gatherings. The bold, zesty sauce and customizable toppings make this recipe one you’ll want to return to again and again.