Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Lime Slaw

Joyce m barkerr
February 23, 2025

Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, these Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Lime Slaw are the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and crunchy.

Juicy shrimp are seasoned and grilled to perfection, then wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a crisp, citrusy slaw.

Whether it’s taco night or a casual summer meal, this easy recipe will be a hit!

What Are Shrimp Tacos?

Shrimp Tacos are a tasty Mexican dish where shrimp are the main filling, served in corn or flour tortillas.

They are topped with ingredients like cabbage slaw, avocado, Cotija cheese, and a zesty sauce, making them a flavorful meal.

The shrimp are seasoned with spices and cooked until tender, offering a great way to enjoy seafood with a balance of textures and tastes.

Tips and Variations for Shrimp Tacos

Toasting Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet and cook each tortilla for 10-15 seconds per side until blistered.
Peeling Shrimp: Remove the head, peel the shell, cut along the back to remove the vein, and rinse.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days; freeze components separately for up to 3 months.
Cooking Methods: Try grilling, baking at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or air-frying at 400°F for 5-7 minutes for varied flavors.

Ingredients for Making Shrimp Tacos

The ingredients for Shrimp Tacos are categorized for clarity, ensuring a straightforward list for easy preparation:

For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water (if needed to thin sauce)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb. shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- Spice mix:
  - 2 teaspoons chili powder
  - 2 teaspoons cumin
  - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
  - 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
For the Slaw and Toppings:
- 2-3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
- Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Directions for Shrimp Tacos

The preparation process is detailed in numbered steps to ensure clarity and ease of following:

Step 1:

Make the Sauce: Combine 1/4 cup oil, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, juice of 2 limes, and 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt in a food processor or blender. Blend until mostly smooth, adding 1/4 cup water if needed to thin the sauce. This garlic cilantro lime sauce, often referred to as a crema, adds a creamy and zesty touch, aligning with keywords like “taco sauce” and “cilantro lime.”

step 2:

Make the Slaw: Toss 2-3 cups of shredded green cabbage with some of the sauce, reserving some for topping the tacos. This step ensures the slaw is flavorful and ready for assembly, enhancing the dish’s texture.

Step 3:

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat 1 lb. of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix 2 teaspoons each of chili powder and cumin, 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt. Toss the shrimp with the spice mix to coat evenly, ensuring they are well-seasoned for a spicy shrimp experience.

Step 4:

Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sauté the shrimp for 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are cooked through and pink.

Step 5:

Assemble the Tacos: Warm the 8 small tortillas (corn or flour) in a dry skillet or microwave for 10 seconds per side. Layer each taco with smashed avocado, the slaw, and the cooked shrimp. Top with Cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime juice, and additional sauce. Serve immediately, creating a visually appealing and tasty taco

Sauce Variations for Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Taco sauce types offer flexibility for flavor preferences, listed for clarity:

Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce: Made with oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, and sour cream, this zesty sauce is great for a fresh, herby flavor.
Lime Crema: A simple mix of sour cream, lime juice, and salt, offering a creamy and tangy balance.
Sriracha Sauce: Adds a spicy kick, ideal for those who enjoy the heat.
Chipotle Crema: Combines chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy profile.

Toasting Tortillas for Tacos

Toasting tortillas enhances their flavor and pliability, with clear instructions:

Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Place a tortilla on the hot surface and cook for about 10-15 seconds on each side, or until it starts to blister and brown slightly.
Remove from heat and keep warm, wrapped in a clean cloth or aluminum foil, until ready to use.

This method, detailed in web searches on tortilla toasting, ensures a charred flavor, aligning with reader preferences for authenticity.

Peeling and Deveining Raw Shrimp

Peeling and deveining shrimp is essential for preparation, with step-by-step guidance:

Hold the shrimp by the tail and twist off the head if attached.
Using fingers or a small knife, peel the shell from the body, starting from the head end and pulling towards the tail, optionally leaving the tail on.
Make a shallow cut along the back with a paring knife to expose the black vein (digestive tract).
Use the knife tip to lift out the vein and discard it.
Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.

Expert Tips for Making Shrimp Tacos

Expert tips enhance the cooking experience, listed for reader engagement:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; remove them from heat when pink and no longer translucent to avoid toughness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime, and avocado significantly improve flavor, aligning with keywords like “fresh cilantro.”
Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: As noted in Pinch of Yum, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, saving time.
Experiment with Different Toppings: Beyond cabbage slaw, avocado, and Cotija cheese, try chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, or red onions for variety, enhancing “topping options.”
Keep the Tortillas Warm: Wrap in a cloth or foil to prevent drying out during assembly, ensuring a pleasant texture.

Complementary Side Dishes

Shrimp Tacos pair well with side dishes, listed for meal planning:

Mexican rice
Refried beans
Guacamole
Salsa
Lime wedges
Cilantro sprigs
Sour cream

Topping Options for Shrimp Tacos

Customizing toppings allows for personalization, listed for reader choice:

Chopped tomatoes
Diced red onions
Sliced jalapenos
Cilantro leaves
Pickled red onions
Crumbled queso Fresco or other Mexican cheeses
Hot sauce or salsa

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guidelines

Proper storage ensures longevity, with clear instructions:

Storing: Store leftover Shrimp Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, covering “storing, freezing, and reheating.”
Freezing: Freeze components separately; cooked shrimp for up to 3 months, sauce for up to 2 months. Tortillas and toppings are best fresh but can be frozen for later use
Reheating: Warm tortillas and shrimp in a skillet or microwave, then assemble fresh with new or leftover toppings and sauce, ensuring texture is maintained.

Cooking Methods for Shrimp Tacos

Various cooking methods offer flexibility, listed for reader choice:

Stove-top: Sauté in a skillet with oil, as in the primary recipe.
Grilling: Skewer shrimp and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through.
Baking: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
Air-frying: Cook in an air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Addressing common queries ensures reader satisfaction, with answers for clarity:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, thaw completely before peeling, deveining, and cooking, aligning with “using frozen shrimp.”
Can I make the sauce without sour cream or Greek yogurt?
- Yes, substitute with mayonnaise or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
- Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and are no longer translucent; avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
- Yes, make a few hours in advance and keep refrigerated; toss with the sauce just before serving for freshness.
What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring longevity.

Conclusion

Shrimp Tacos are a versatile and delicious dish, customizable to suit any taste with their flavorful shrimp, crunchy slaw, and zesty sauce.

They are ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests, offering a balance of nutrition and flavor, with a surprising variety of cooking methods like grilling or air-frying for different tastes.