Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw

Ingredients:

Garlic Cilantro Lime 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)

Shrimp Taco Spice Mix:

  • 2 teaspoons each chili powder and cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon each onion powder and garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Stuff for the Shrimp Tacos:

  • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 2–3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • 2 avocados
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Sauce: Pulse all the sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until mostly smooth. Add water if needed to thin.
  2. Slaw: Toss some of the sauce (not all) with the cabbage. We’ll use the leftover sauce to top the tacos.
  3. Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss the shrimp in a small bowl with the spice mix to get it coated. Heat a drizzle of oil a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp to the hot pan and sauté for 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through.
  4. Assembly: For the prettiest and easiest-to-eat assembly, go in this order: smashed avocado, slaw, and shrimp. Finish with Cotjia cheese, lime wedges, and extra sauce.

FAQs:

  • What are Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw?
    • Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw are a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring seasoned shrimp cooked with spicy seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, served in warm tortillas with a refreshing slaw made of cabbage, cilantro, garlic, and lime dressing.
  • How do I make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw?
    • To make Spicy Shrimp Tacos, start by marinating shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the shrimp until cooked through and slightly charred. For the slaw, toss shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Assemble the tacos by filling warm tortillas with the cooked shrimp and topping with the garlic cilantro lime slaw.
  • Can I adjust the spiciness of Spicy Shrimp Tacos?
    • Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Spicy Shrimp Tacos by varying the amount of chili powder and other spicy seasonings used in the shrimp marinade. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper. Conversely, for extra heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
  • What type of tortillas are best for Spicy Shrimp Tacos?
    • Corn tortillas are traditionally used for Spicy Shrimp Tacos, as they have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that complements the spicy shrimp and tangy slaw. You can warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the oven before assembling the tacos to enhance their texture and flavor.
  • What are some optional toppings for Spicy Shrimp Tacos?
    • Optional toppings for Spicy Shrimp Tacos include diced avocado or guacamole, sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños for extra spice, crumbled cotija cheese or shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fresh lime wedges can also be served on the side for squeezing over the tacos before eating.

Leave a Comment