Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant and zesty meal bursting with fresh flavors that are sure to impress your guests. Juicy shrimp are marinated in tangy lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of spice, then quickly grilled or sautéed to perfection. Nestled inside warm tortillas and topped with crisp slaw or avocado, these tacos offer the perfect balance of bright citrus, herbaceous freshness, and a touch of heat. Ideal for casual dinners, parties, or taco nights, they’re a flavorful fiesta on every plate!
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Fresh and zesty: The tang of lime and brightness of cilantro make every bite lively and refreshing.
Juicy, flavorful shrimp: Marinated and cooked quickly for tender, perfectly seasoned seafood.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Customizable toppings: Add creamy avocado, crunchy slaw, or spicy salsa to suit your taste.
Light yet satisfying: A delicious, healthier twist on classic tacos.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, sure to wow guests with bold, fresh flavors.
Versatile: Serve with rice, beans, or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Serve up these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos for a bright, flavorful dish that brings a burst of freshness and fun to any occasion!
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
A fresh and flavorful blend of citrus, herbs, and spice wrapped in warm tortillas. Here’s what you’ll need:
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the stars of this dish. They cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps to marinate the shrimp and adds richness to the dish.
Fresh Lime Juice: This brightens up the flavors and gives the shrimp that zesty kick.
Lime Zest: A little zest enhances the lime flavor, making it even more vibrant.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a savory note that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Ground Cumin: This spice brings a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Chili Powder: A touch of chili powder adds a mild heat and a hint of smokiness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for wrapping around the shrimp and slaw, providing a delightful texture.
Shredded Green Cabbage: This adds crunch and freshness to the tacos.
Shredded Carrots: Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to the creamy slaw.
Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the slaw that binds everything together.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick to the slaw, balancing the creaminess.
Honey: A hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavors in the slaw.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and is a must-have for that authentic taste.
Lime Wedges: Serve these on the side for an extra squeeze of lime goodness!
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top. If shrimp isn’t your thing, grilled chicken or tofu can be great substitutes. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Creating these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens! Toss in the shrimp, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the shrimp to soak up all those vibrant flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Slaw
While the shrimp is marinating, it’s time to whip up the creamy slaw. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and chopped cilantro. Each ingredient plays a role: the cabbage adds crunch, the carrots bring sweetness, and the mayo binds it all together. Stir until everything is well combined, then set it aside. This slaw will add a refreshing contrast to the shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; shrimp can go from tender to rubbery in a flash. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp!
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Now, let’s get those tortillas ready! You can warm them in a separate skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The goal is to make them pliable, so they’re easy to fold without tearing. Warm tortillas are essential for a great taco experience!
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
It’s time for the fun part—assembling your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and place a few shrimp in the center. Top it off with a generous scoop of creamy slaw. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of extra cilantro for garnish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are now ready to wow your guests!
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the marinating step; it’s key for flavor.
Use fresh lime juice for the best taste—bottled just doesn’t compare.
Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they cook quickly!
Warm tortillas in batches to keep them soft and pliable.
Feel free to customize the slaw with your favorite veggies.
Equipment Needed
Medium Bowl: For marinating shrimp. A mixing bowl works too.
Large Bowl: To prepare the creamy slaw. Any large container will do.
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking shrimp.
Spatula: For flipping shrimp and serving tacos.
Microwave or Skillet: To warm tortillas; both methods are effective.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the shrimp for grilled zucchini or portobello mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free taco.
Fish Tacos: Use white fish like tilapia or cod instead of shrimp for a different seafood twist.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley in the slaw for a unique flavor profile.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Pair your tacos with Mexican street corn or a fresh avocado salad for a colorful plate.
Drinks: Serve with a cold cerveza or a refreshing limeade to complement the flavors.
Presentation: Use colorful plates and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant look.
FAQs about Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. Frozen shrimp can be just as delicious as fresh when cooked properly.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the slaw?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top of the tacos. You can also increase the chili powder in the marinade.
Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
Yes! You can make the creamy slaw a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
What sides pair well with Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos?
These tacos go wonderfully with Mexican street corn, a fresh avocado salad, or even some tortilla chips with salsa. They make for a colorful and satisfying meal!
Final Thoughts
Cooking these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating moments. The vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients come together to form a dish that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re sharing them with family or impressing friends at a gathering, these tacos are sure to spark joy and conversation. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the company around you. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the taco magic unfold!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are a delicious and refreshing dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the creamy slaw. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until pliable.
To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with a generous scoop of creamy slaw, and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
For added heat, include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the tacos.
Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
