Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Slaw Recipe
These shrimp tacos are a simple and flavorful weeknight meal featuring juicy, seasoned shrimp cooked in a skillet and topped with a refreshing jalapeño lime slaw. Served on warm corn tortillas with avocado and lime wedges, they offer a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and zest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp, thawed & peeled, tails removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Jalapeño Lime Slaw
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/3 cup chopped red onions (or to taste)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
To Serve
- 8 medium corn tortillas
- 1 large avocado, chopped or sliced
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Thaw and Prepare Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, place them in a colander and run under cool water until fully thawed. Peel and devein if not already done, then pat dry.
- Make the Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add the finely shredded cabbage, chopped red onions, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro. Toss well to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping occasionally, until pink and cooked through.
- Warm Tortillas and Assemble Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Place cooked shrimp on each tortilla, top with a generous amount of jalapeño lime slaw, add avocado slices, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the slaw depending on your preferred spice level.
- Warm tortillas for best texture and flavor before assembling tacos.
- Serve immediately after assembling for the freshest taste and best texture.
- Optional garnish additions: fresh cilantro sprigs, extra lime wedges, or hot sauce.
