– **Title**: Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
**For the Shrimp:**
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Juice of 2 limes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
**For the Creamy Slaw:**
– 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**For Assembly:**
– 8 small corn tortillas
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Additional cilantro, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. **Marinate the Shrimp**: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Creamy Slaw**: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrot. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Shrimp**: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through.
4. **Warm the Tortillas**: In a separate dry skillet, heat the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
5. **Assemble the Tacos**: Place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with the creamy slaw, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the tacos before serving.
6. **Serve**: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zing. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for these tacos because they cook quickly and have a great texture. If shrimp isn’t available, you could use chicken or tofu as alternatives. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan, consider using fresh parsley or basil instead. They’ll give a different flavor but can be delicious too.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives a zesty kick. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh is always better. For a twist, you can also use lemon juice for a milder flavor.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is crunchy and adds great texture to the slaw. You can substitute it with red cabbage for a pop of color or even use pre-packaged coleslaw mix if you’re short on time.
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayo keeps the slaw creamy, but Greek yogurt or avocado can make a lighter, healthier alternative if you prefer. Just tweak the seasoning to your liking.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overdoing It?
Cooking shrimp may seem tricky, but it’s all about timing. They cook quickly and are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Here’s a simple way to get them just right:
- Start with a hot skillet for that nice sear. Medium-high heat is key.
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without stirring, then flip. They’ll turn light pink when done, which is your cue!
- Remove them from the skillet promptly after cooking to avoid rubbery shrimp.
If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm on a plate covered with foil while you finish cooking the rest.
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced (plus additional wedges for serving)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and delicious meal that can be ready in around 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together until the shrimp is well coated. Let the mixture marinate for about 15-30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
2. Prepare the Creamy Slaw:
While the shrimp is soaking, grab another bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s combined. Then, add in the finely shredded cabbage and toss it all together until the cabbage is coated in that creamy goodness. Set this slaw aside so it can chill and the flavors can blend.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. This means they are perfectly cooked and ready for taco greatness!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp is cooking, take a separate pan or a griddle and warm your tortillas. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they’re soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time for the fun part! On each tortilla, layer with sliced avocado (if you’re using it), a generous scoop of the cooked shrimp, and top it off with the creamy slaw. Feel free to add extra cilantro on top for a burst of freshness!
6. Serve:
Serve your tacos right away with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze on some extra zesty lime juice. Enjoy your delicious cilantro lime shrimp tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, or leave them in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they marinate well.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Slaw?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for mayonnaise! It will give the slaw a nice creaminess with added protein. Just use the same amount (1/2 cup) and mix it with the lime juice and sugar as in the original recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separate in airtight containers. The shrimp can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge, while the slaw can last about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat the shrimp gently in a pan and warm the tortillas before assembling your tacos.
Can I Make the Creamy Slaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The creamy slaw can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will actually enhance the flavors as they meld together. If it seems too watery before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed!
