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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw combine perfectly cooked shrimp with a vibrant, crispy slaw, creating an explosion of flavors for your dinner table.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cilantro Lime Slaw, Easy Dinner, Shrimp Tacos, Spicy Shrimp, Taco Recipe
Servings: 6 tacos
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

For the shrimp

  • 20 medium shrimp medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for shrimp
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the slaw

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage green or purple for a pop of color
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeno jalapeno seeded and finely diced, optional for added spice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for slaw
  • 1 tablespoon honey providing a touch of sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice for that zesty kick

For assembly

  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha adjusted to your preferred spice level
  • 6 small corn or flour tortillas tortillas soft and warm
  • to taste lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, red onion, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeno (if using). Drizzle with olive oil, honey, and lime juice. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), black pepper, and kosher salt. Toss until well coated.

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are pink and slightly crispy. Remove from heat.

Sauce Preparation

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing (or sour cream/Greek yogurt) with Sriracha and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Serving

  • Optionally, lightly char the tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing 4-5 shrimp in each tortilla, topped with cilantro lime slaw, drizzled with the creamy Sriracha sauce, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be opaque and slightly curled when done. This recipe is customizable; add extra toppings like avocado or diced tomatoes.