– **Title**: Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Shrimp and Marinade**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– **For the Creamy Slaw**:
– 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
– 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For Serving**:
– Corn or flour tortillas
– Lime wedges
– Extra cilantro for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the creamy slaw. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. In another small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the cabbage and carrots and toss to combine. Set aside.
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through.
4. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or directly over the grill for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos: Place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with creamy slaw, and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your zesty cilantro lime shrimp tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are best for this recipe. You can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained. For a twist, consider using fish or chicken instead for a different flavor!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley works well as a substitute. You could also try green onions for a different taste.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring depth to the shrimp. If you don’t have these, taco seasoning can be a quick swap! Just use it to your taste, as it’s typically saltier.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for shrimp tacos. However, flour tortillas can be used if you prefer a softer texture. You can even try lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Either option gives creaminess to the slaw. Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar texture. You might also enjoy using plain kefir for a unique tang.
How Do You Get the Shrimp Just Right?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky. Overcooking makes them rubbery! The key is to keep an eye on their color. They should turn opaque and slightly curl. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the shrimp.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip. They should be pink and opaque.
- Remove them promptly once cooked to keep them tender!
Finally, let them marinate a bit for extra flavor. I love to use a timer to avoid overcooking!
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 corn or flour tortillas
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- Avocado slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 40 minutes. You’ll need 15-20 minutes to marinate the shrimp and about 20 minutes to prepare the slaw and cook the shrimp. It’s a quick and tasty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with the chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together so the shrimp are well-coated in the flavorful mix. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes—this really helps enhance the delicious taste!
2. Prepare the Creamy Slaw:
While the shrimp is marinating, you can whip up the creamy slaw. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set it aside for later!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp is ready, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. They’ll cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas to make them flexible. You can do this in a dry pan over medium heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. Just until they are pliable and warm enough to hold all the delicious fillings!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a few shrimp on it. Top with a generous scoop of the creamy slaw and add some fresh avocado slices on top. Feel free to get creative—add more or less slaw, depending on your taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your zesty shrimp tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every bite of these delightful tacos—it’s a meal bursting with freshness and zest!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute for sour cream. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut yogurt or cashew cream, which will still give you that creamy texture without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the slaw can last about the same time. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the shrimp in a skillet and assemble the tacos again with fresh tortillas!
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The creamy slaw can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just before serving, stir it well to combine any settled ingredients.
