Name: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped; 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage; 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice; avocado, sliced; 8 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour); extra lime wedges, for serving

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that strikes the perfect balance between zesty freshness and creamy crunch, let me introduce you to Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw. This recipe quickly made its way into my weekly rotation thanks to its quick prep, mouthwatering flavors, and that irresistibly creamy slaw that pulls everything together. The succulent shrimp is coated in smoky, citrusy spices and paired with a tangy Greek yogurt slaw—all stuffed in your favorite warm tortillas. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds light up, turns an ordinary dinner into an all-out fiesta, and leaves everyone at the table reaching for “just one more” taco.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is how each simple ingredient contributes its own magic—bringing flavor, freshness, and crunch to every bite. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials you’ll want on hand, along with a few tips to make them shine.

Shrimp: Wild-caught is best for a clean, briny taste and juicy texture—make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every other flavor without overpowering.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that brings serious depth to the shrimp.
Garlic Powder: For a mellow, garlicky backbone that cooks beautifully into the shrimp rub.
Chili Powder: Delivers a mild kick and gorgeous color—don’t skip it if you want that subtle heat.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that irresistible golden sear on the shrimp.
Butter: Melts into the sauce, amping up the richness and gloss.
Lime Zest and Juice: The zest gives intense aroma, while the juice brings a tangy brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the citrus and spice.
Cilantro: A fresh, herbal note runs through both the shrimp and the slaw—don’t be shy with it.
Green Cabbage: Delivers crunch, vibrant color, and the perfect base for your creamy slaw.
Greek Yogurt: Makes the slaw velvety and tangy, while keeping things light.
Avocado: Adds rich, buttery slices on top of each taco—pure luxury!
Tortillas: Use corn or flour, just make sure they’re 6-inch and fresh for the ultimate taco experience.
Extra Lime Wedges: For a final boost of citrus at the table.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry—this helps the seasoning stick and leads to that signature golden crust. Toss them with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder until every piece is beautifully coated. It’s the first step in layering that punchy flavor you want in Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil over medium-high in your biggest skillet. When it’s shimmering hot, lay the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Let them sear without moving for about 90 seconds per side—you’re looking for them to go opaque with a light caramelized finish.

Step 3: Make the Zesty Pan Sauce

Reduce the heat and let the magic happen: Add in butter, freshly zested lime, lime juice, and a kiss of honey. This silky sauce glazes the shrimp, marrying citrus and sweet into something truly special. A quick simmer thickens it, and a final shower of chopped cilantro really makes the flavors pop.

Step 4: Toss Together the Creamy Slaw

While your shrimp are sizzling, prep the slaw. Add the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice to a large bowl, then sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Toss everything until the veg is just coated in that creamy, tangy dressing—the slaw should be light, not soggy, so don’t overdo the yogurt.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

This small step makes a big difference! Warm your tortillas to make them extra pliable and bring out their aroma—using a microwave, oven, or (my favorite) the gas flame for a bit of char. A warm tortilla cradles the shrimp and slaw perfectly, making every bite irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the best part: build your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw! Start with a generous scoop of creamy slaw, top with 4 to 6 shrimp, drizzle on any extra sauce from the pan, and fan out slices of avocado. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and gather around because these will disappear fast.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro over the top, add a wedge of lime for squeezing, and don’t forget a dusting of finely grated lime zest for a pop of bright aroma. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance every bite.

Side Dishes

Complement your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw with light, fresh sides like black bean salad, Mexican street corn (elote), or a zesty watermelon salad. Even classic tortilla chips with guacamole or pico de gallo go beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve your tacos DIY-style: lay out all components and let guests build their own. Or, assemble mini-tacos for party platters, secure with toothpicks, and garnish each one individually. Presentation tip: serve on a colorful platter lined with cabbage leaves for extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (rare, trust me!), store the cooled shrimp and the creamy slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the slaw crisp and the shrimp juicy, and both will keep beautifully for up to 2 days.

Freezing

While the slaw is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a tight container for up to one month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just avoid freezing the slaw or assembled tacos, as the cabbage won’t stay crisp when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat your shrimp, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes, just until warmed through—this way they stay succulent and don’t turn rubbery. Avoid using the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry seafood out quickly.

FAQs

Can I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw ahead of time?

You can prep the slaw and season the shrimp a few hours in advance; just store them separately in the fridge. Cook and assemble right before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

What’s the best shrimp size for these tacos?

Medium shrimp (around 31-40 count per pound) work perfectly—they’re easy to eat, get nicely caramelized, and fit well in small tortillas. If using larger shrimp, just chop them before assembling.

Can I use a different protein or make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Try swapping the shrimp for quick-seared fish, grilled chicken, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian spin. The core flavors in Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw pair wonderfully with many proteins.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level is relatively mild, with warmth from chile powder but nothing too fiery. If you like more heat, add a dash of cayenne or sliced jalapeños to the slaw or shrimp.

Is Greek yogurt essential for the slaw?

Greek yogurt keeps things creamy and tangy without heaviness, but you can substitute with sour cream or a plant-based yogurt if preferred. Just check for taste and consistency, and adjust lime juice accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw to your table! They combine bold, zingy flavors and crisp textures in a way that’s sure to impress. If you give this recipe a whirl, get ready for a burst of sunshine in every bite—and don’t forget to squeeze that extra lime!