The bright, bold flavors of these garlic-lime shrimp tacos will take your tastebuds straight to the coast. The juicy shrimp are seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, seared to perfection, and topped with a creamy, tangy slaw that brings the whole dish together. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or a breezy summer meal, these tacos are as easy as they are delicious. You’ll love how quickly they come together in just 20 minutes without sacrificing taste. It’s a great way to serve up a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 cups coleslaw mix
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon honey
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8 small corn tortillas
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
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Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
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In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey. Toss until well coated. Chill until ready to use.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
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Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
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Assemble tacos by adding a spoonful of slaw to each tortilla, then top with shrimp and garnish with cilantro.
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Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Zesty Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Shrimp tacos are one of those irresistible dishes that bring sunshine and flavor to the table no matter the season. Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner, a summer cookout, or a themed taco night, these Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are guaranteed to impress. Bursting with citrusy zest, tender shrimp, and a crunchy, creamy slaw, this dish is equal parts refreshing and satisfying. It’s easy to make, takes only about 20 minutes, and is packed with nutrients and bold flavors.
Why Shrimp Tacos Are a Weeknight Winner
Shrimp is one of the fastest proteins to cook, making it ideal for quick meals. In this recipe, the shrimp are marinated in a mixture of garlic, lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika a blend that gives them a perfect balance of tang, spice, and warmth. When seared, the shrimp become slightly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.
The entire meal comes together in about 20 minutes, and that’s including the time it takes to marinate the shrimp and mix up the slaw. It’s fast food with a gourmet twist and far healthier than most takeout options.
The Flavor Profile: Bold, Bright, and Balanced
At the heart of this dish is the harmony between savory and fresh. The marinade infuses the shrimp with bold notes of garlic and the earthy depth of cumin and paprika. But what really makes these tacos pop is the lime juice it brightens the dish, cuts through the richness of the shrimp, and ties all the flavors together.
The slaw offers a cool contrast. It’s creamy from the mayonnaise, lightly sweetened with honey, and laced with more lime to mirror the shrimp’s citrusy character. The crunch of the coleslaw mix adds texture and freshness, making every bite satisfying and exciting.
Toppings and Tortilla Tips
When it comes to tacos, the tortilla you choose matters. For this recipe, corn tortillas are preferred for their traditional flavor and ability to hold the filling without becoming soggy. Warm them briefly in a skillet or directly over a flame to make them pliable and slightly charred that little extra effort pays off with flavor and texture.
As for toppings, you can keep it simple or get creative. Fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, or crumbled cotija cheese are all excellent choices. A few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the heat for spice lovers, and lime wedges on the side let each guest add a fresh squeeze to their taste.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Shrimp is not only delicious but also a lean source of protein. It’s low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium, and iodine, and contains antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which supports heart and brain health. Combined with a slaw made from cabbage a cruciferous vegetable known for its fiber and antioxidant properties this meal is both wholesome and filling.
If you’re watching your carbs or eating gluten-free, these tacos are a great option. You can even serve the shrimp and slaw in lettuce cups for a low-carb version, or use grain-free tortillas if desired.
Make It Your Own: Easy Variations
One of the beauties of this shrimp taco recipe is its versatility. Here are a few simple tweaks and additions to tailor the dish to your tastes or dietary preferences:
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Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the marinade for more heat.
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Tropical Flair: Top the tacos with pineapple or mango salsa for a sweet and spicy Caribbean twist.
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Herb Swap: Replace cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a unique flavor.
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Avocado Cream: Blend avocado with sour cream and lime juice to drizzle over the top instead of mayonnaise-based slaw.
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Grilled Option: Fire up the grill instead of the skillet for a smoky char on the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These tacos are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a full meal, pair them with Mexican street corn (elote), a light black bean salad, or some seasoned rice. If you’re serving a crowd, consider making a taco bar with all the fixings laid out so guests can build their own.
As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with a classic margarita, a citrusy lager, or a non-alcoholic option like sparkling limeade. The bright, zesty profile of the tacos pairs beautifully with anything citrus-forward.
Storage and Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will keep for up to 2 days, though it’s best when eaten fresh. The slaw can last 2–3 days and even improve in flavor as it sits. Reheat the shrimp gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.
Tip: Don’t assemble the tacos ahead of time if you’re storing them the tortillas will get soggy. Keep each component separate and assemble just before eating.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
These garlic-lime shrimp tacos are more than just a quick dinner fix they’re a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures that work in harmony. They’re proof that you don’t need complex techniques or exotic ingredients to make a memorable meal.
The combination of zesty lime, savory shrimp, and creamy slaw is simply addictive. Once you make them, they’re sure to earn a regular spot in your rotation. And because they’re so easy to adapt, they’ll never feel repetitive.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these Zesty Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos check all the boxes: quick, easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. With their perfect balance of spice, citrus, and creamy crunch, they offer a refreshing take on traditional tacos and one that’s just as satisfying as any slow-cooked dish.