Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are fresh, flavorful, and full of bold, zesty goodness. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a bright cilantro-lime marinade, seared to perfection, and tucked into warm tortillas with a cool, crunchy slaw that balances everything out. They’re quick to make and perfect for Taco Tuesday—or any day I’m craving something light, vibrant, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, fun, and full of flavor. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, and the marinade gives them a punchy, citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy slaw. Everything comes together easily in one pan and one bowl, and it’s easy to prep ahead for busy weeknights. These tacos are fresh and satisfying without being heavy, and they always disappear fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp:

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Olive oil

• Fresh lime juice

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Ground cumin

• Chili powder

• Salt and pepper

For the creamy slaw:

• Shredded cabbage (green or a mix)

• Greek yogurt or sour cream

• Mayonnaise

• Lime juice

• Honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: sliced green onions or jalapeños

For serving:

• Small tortillas (flour or corn)

• Extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges

• Optional: avocado slices or hot sauce

directions

1. I start by marinating the shrimp in olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. I let it sit for 15–20 minutes while I prep the slaw.

2. In a bowl, I mix the shredded cabbage with yogurt or sour cream, mayo, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. I toss it all together until well coated and chill it in the fridge until serving.

3. I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. I don’t overcrowd the pan so they sear nicely.

4. I warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave and assemble the tacos with a layer of slaw, a few shrimp, and my favorite toppings.

5. I finish them with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 tacos (serves 3–4 people). It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add diced mango or pineapple salsa for a sweet contrast. I’ve also used chipotle powder instead of chili powder for a smokier flavor. If I want it dairy-free, I use all mayo or a dairy-free yogurt for the slaw. I’ve even turned these into bowls by serving everything over rice or greens instead of in tortillas.

storage/reheating

I store the cooked shrimp and slaw separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat the shrimp, I warm it gently in a skillet for a couple of minutes. I don’t microwave them because they can get rubbery. The slaw is best cold and fresh, so I keep it crisp by storing it in an airtight container.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. They cook just as well once thawed.

Are these tacos spicy?

They have a mild kick from the chili powder, but I adjust the heat with jalapeños or hot sauce if I want more spice.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Absolutely. I thread them onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.

What tortillas work best?

I like using small street taco-size flour or corn tortillas. I warm them up so they’re soft and pliable for easy folding.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, I make it up to a day ahead. It actually gets more flavorful as it chills, just give it a stir before serving.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are one of my favorite ways to enjoy bold flavors in a quick, no-stress meal. They’re fresh, zesty, and perfectly balanced with that creamy slaw crunch. Whether I’m cooking for a casual dinner or a taco night with friends, these tacos always bring bright, summery vibes to the table.