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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup purple cabbage, finely sliced - 1/2 cup carrots, grated - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 teaspoon honey for sweetness - Lime wedges for serving Gather these items to make your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw. Each ingredient plays a key role. The shrimp gives a tasty base, while the spices add heat. The corn tortillas provide a sturdy vessel for all the flavors. The lime slaw adds crunch and zest. For an extra touch, consider adding honey and lime wedges. These optional ingredients can enhance your dish. Enjoy the process of cooking with these fresh components! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preparing the marinade: Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This mix gives the shrimp a bold flavor. - Coating the shrimp: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss until each shrimp is well coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes so they soak up the flavors. - Mixing the slaw ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of finely sliced purple cabbage, 1/2 cup of grated carrots, and 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped cilantro. This gives a fresh crunch to the tacos. - Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey if you like it sweet. Pour this dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is coated. - Grilling the shrimp: Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This shows they are ready to eat. - Warming the corn tortillas: While the shrimp cooks, warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and tasty. - Layering shrimp and slaw: Take a warm tortilla and lay a few cooked shrimp in the center. Top it with a generous scoop of the lime slaw. - Adding garnishes and serving: Squeeze extra lime juice over the tacos for a zesty kick. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious spicy shrimp tacos! - Adjusting spice levels: To make your shrimp just right, start with the basic spice mix. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper. For less spice, cut back on the cayenne and chili powder. Taste the marinade before adding the shrimp. This way, you can find the perfect balance for you. - Cooking times for shrimp: The key to great shrimp is not to overcook them. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they can become tough. Keep a close watch! - Adding toppings and garnishes: You can boost the flavor of your tacos with extra toppings. Try adding sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or crumbled queso fresco. Fresh cilantro on top adds color and taste. Don't forget lime wedges for that zesty kick! - Using fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice for a brighter taste. Choose crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots for the slaw. These fresh elements will enhance every bite. - Side dishes that complement tacos: Tacos pair well with sides. Try serving them with black beans or Mexican rice. A simple corn salad can also add a nice touch. These sides round out your meal and add variety to your plate. - Beverage pairings: To drink, consider light beverages. A cold cerveza or a refreshing margarita works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lime. These drinks will enhance the meal and keep it fun! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, up to an hour will enhance the flavors even further. Choose the Right Tortillas: Opt for small, fresh corn tortillas for the best flavor and texture. If you can, warm them directly on the grill for a slightly smoky taste. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade according to your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, as you can always add more later. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro for the slaw to enhance the overall freshness and flavor of the tacos. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or fish. Just use the same marinade. For beef lovers, ground beef works well too. If you want a vegetarian option, try black beans or grilled veggies. These choices still pack flavor and can keep the meal exciting. Change the slaw by using green cabbage or napa cabbage. You can also add radishes or bell peppers for crunch. For a sweet twist, mix in diced mango or pineapple. This adds a nice contrast to the spicy shrimp and makes the dish pop. Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are soft and easy to fold. You can also make your own tortillas at home. Just mix flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Roll them out and cook on a hot skillet. Homemade tortillas can elevate your taco experience! To keep your shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. Enjoy the shrimp within two days for the best taste. For the lime slaw, use another airtight container. The slaw stays fresh for up to three days. Keep it separate from the shrimp to avoid sogginess. When reheating your tacos, use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Place the tacos in the skillet, cover them, and warm for about five minutes. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and the tortillas soft. You can also reheat the shrimp separately. Just warm it in the skillet for a couple of minutes. To freeze marinated shrimp, place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps the shrimp from getting freezer burn. For best results, use it within three months. To thaw, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. You can cook it straight from frozen, but it may take a few extra minutes to cook through. Marinate shrimp for about 15 minutes. This time is enough for the flavors to soak in. If you marinate longer, the shrimp may become too soft. Always keep shrimp in the fridge while marinating. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking. You can also make the lime slaw in advance. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Warm the tortillas and cook the shrimp just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. If you want a mayo substitute, try Greek yogurt. It gives a nice creaminess and tang. You could also use avocado for a rich flavor. Another option is sour cream, which adds a nice touch. Choose what fits your taste best! Spicy shrimp tacos are a tasty dish with a few simple steps. You start by marinating the shrimp and preparing lime slaw. After grilling, layer the shrimp and slaw in warm tortillas. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and try different fillings. To keep them fresh, store leftovers well, and they've got great meal prep options. Enjoy creating these flavorful tacos. They are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Lime Slaw

Delicious tacos filled with spicy shrimp and a refreshing lime slaw.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup purple cabbage, finely sliced
  • 0.5 cup carrots, grated
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
  • as needed lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well blended.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for approximately 15 minutes.
  • While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the lime slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely sliced purple cabbage, grated carrots, and coarsely chopped cilantro.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, and honey (if using) until smooth. Drizzle this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
  • While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a separate skillet for around 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable and slightly toasty.
  • To assemble each taco, lay a few shrimp on a warmed tortilla, generously top with the zesty lime slaw, and drizzle extra lime juice for an added burst of flavor.
  • Serve the tacos immediately, accompanied by lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Arrange the assembled tacos on a colorful platter and sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve with a side of lime wedges for guests to customize their taco experience!
Keyword lime, shrimp, slaw, spicy, tacos