– **Title**: Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Shrimp**:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 2 limes
– Zest of 1 lime
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– **For the Creamy Slaw**:
– 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup carrots, grated
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For Assembly**:
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Extra cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the creamy slaw. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are well coated. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with the creamy slaw, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds great flavor, but if you can’t find it, frozen shrimp works just as well! Just remember to thaw it thoroughly before marinating.
Olive Oil: I like using olive oil for its flavor, but you could switch it out for avocado oil or even melted coconut oil for a different twist.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for that zesty flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a decent substitute, though it will change the overall taste.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect for slaw, but you can also use red cabbage for a colorful twist. Mixing them can add fun textures too!
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayo works great, but Greek yogurt or an avocado-based mayo can lighten things up a bit and add a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get My Shrimp to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because it cooks really fast. The key is to watch the color change. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet well before adding shrimp; this prevents sticking.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side—until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough!
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re done; they can keep cooking from residual heat.
These tips will help you make perfectly cooked shrimp every time! Enjoy the process and the tasty results!
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes total—15-20 minutes for marinating the shrimp and then about 15-20 minutes to cook and assemble everything. The result is flavorful tacos that are quick and easy to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
Start by preparing the marinade for your shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it until everything is well combined. Then, add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are nicely coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
2. Prepare the Creamy Slaw:
While your shrimp is marinating, it’s time to whip up the creamy slaw. In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly blended and creamy. Set this aside while you cook the shrimp.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re ready when they curl slightly and are no longer translucent.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
In a separate skillet, warm up the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side or until they’re nice and pliable. This makes them easier to handle when assembling your tacos!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together. Take a warm tortilla and place a few pieces of the cooked shrimp in the center. Top it off with slices of avocado and a generous spoonful of the creamy slaw. If you’re feeling extra zesty, you can add more chopped cilantro on top!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy the fresh flavors and zesty taste of your cilantro lime shrimp tacos! They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering with friends!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp first. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Mayo in the Slaw?
If you want a lighter option or need a mayo substitute, try using Greek yogurt or a blend of sour cream and plain yogurt. You’ll get a creamy texture with a bit of tanginess. You might want to adjust the lime juice to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the shrimp and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat the shrimp on the stove and add fresh slaw when ready to serve to maintain that crispness!
Can I Make the Creamy Slaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy slaw a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It may even taste better as the flavors meld together, just give it a good stir before serving!
