The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your taste buds are about to embark on a zesty adventure. Imagine sinking your teeth into a taco bursting with succulent shrimp, drizzled with a tangy lime dressing, all topped off with a creamy slaw that dances on your palate. Yes, my friends, Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Fresh Flavorful are here to elevate your taco game to new heights.

Picture this: a warm summer evening, friends gathered around the grill, laughter mingling with the tantalizing aroma of shrimp sizzling away. These tacos are not just a meal; they are a memory in the making. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just another day that ends in “Y,” these delightful bites promise to bring sunshine into your kitchen and smiles to your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These tacos combine effortless preparation with an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make them visually appealing and perfect for any occasion
- They are incredibly versatile; you can swap out shrimp for chicken or veggies as desired
- An easy recipe that guarantees satisfaction, making it an instant favorite among family and friends
Sharing these tacos at our last family gathering had everyone reaching for more while declaring their love for shrimp once again.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Shrimp: Use large shrimp if possible; they hold up well on the grill and soak up flavor beautifully.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor; always choose bright green leaves without wilting.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice elevates the flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it in this recipe.
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Cabbage: Use both green and red cabbage for color contrast; they add crunchiness to your creamy slaw.
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Mayonnaise: A creamy base for your slaw; opt for full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture.
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Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): These spices bring warmth and depth to your shrimp marinade; don’t skip them!
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Tortillas: Corn tortillas work best; they’re soft yet sturdy enough to hold all those tasty fillings.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine cleaned shrimp with lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, and chili powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all those zesty flavors.
Prepare the Slaw: While shrimp marinate, slice cabbage thinly and mix it in a bowl with mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until fully coated and creamy.
Heat the Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. A hot surface ensures a nice char on the shrimp that enhances their natural sweetness.
Cook the Shrimp: Once hot, place marinated shrimp on the grill or skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque—don’t overcook!
Warm Tortillas: While shrimp cook, warm tortillas on the grill or in foil in the oven until soft but not crispy. This keeps them pliable for folding.
Assemble Your Tacos: On each tortilla, layer cooked shrimp followed by creamy slaw. Squeeze extra lime juice on top if desired for added zing.
With each bite of these Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos topped with Creamy Slaw Fresh Flavorful, you’ll experience textures blending seamlessly while flavors explode in perfect harmony. Enjoying these with friends or family truly makes every taco night unforgettable!
You Must Know
- Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw offer a perfect balance of flavors
- The freshness of cilantro and lime brightens the shrimp, while the creamy slaw adds crunch
- Perfect for taco night or a quick weeknight dinner that feels special!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in lime juice and spices for at least 15 minutes. Sauté them quickly in a hot pan to keep them tender and juicy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu. Add diced mango for a sweet twist or jalapeños for extra heat to customize your tacos.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes but not longer than 30 minutes for optimal flavor without toughness
- Use fresh lime juice for brighter taste, and toast tortillas lightly before serving, enhancing their flavor and texture
The first time I made these tacos, my friends devoured them faster than I could assemble. They declared it a fiesta-worthy dish, forever raising my taco-making status!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos?
Yes, just thaw them properly before marinating and cooking.
What toppings pair well with these tacos?
Avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or fresh salsa complement these tacos beautifully.
How spicy are these tacos?
They can be mild, but you can add jalapeños for a spicy kick if desired.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. These tacos feature juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lime and spices, topped with a crunchy, creamy slaw that enhances every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying Taco Tuesday, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends with their fresh ingredients and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 cups green and red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, mix shrimp with lime juice, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the slaw: In another bowl, combine cabbage with mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well coated.
- Heat the grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Warm tortillas on the grill or in foil until soft.
- Assemble each taco by layering shrimp and creamy slaw on warm tortillas. Add extra lime juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (about 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 160mg