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Flavor Zine’s Quick Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Close-up of a row of perfectly seasoned shrimp taco shells filled with blackened shrimp, slaw, and drizzled with white sauce.

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You can make these vibrant Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos fast! We pair juicy, zesty shrimp with a crunchy, creamy slaw for a satisfying weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • For the Creamy Slaw:
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage mix
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Garlic Crema:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon water (or more, to thin)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Creamy Slaw: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat. Set this aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the shrimp.
  2. Make the Garlic Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, and water until smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency. Set aside.
  3. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
  5. Add Flavor: Remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately pour the 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice and the chopped cilantro over the hot shrimp. Toss to coat.
  6. Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas according to package directions, usually by heating them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Layer each warm tortilla with the cilantro lime shrimp. Top generously with the creamy slaw and drizzle with the garlic crema. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, lightly char your tortillas over an open gas flame for about 10 seconds per side before filling them.
  • If you want spicy shrimp tacos, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning mix.
  • This recipe works well for fast shrimp dinner ideas, but you can also use the air fryer method (375°F for 6-8 minutes) for the shrimp if you prefer less oil.

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