Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. A quick method is to place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

You can warm them in the microwave, wrap them in foil and heat in the oven, or place them directly over a gas flame for a light char. Warming improves texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the Greek yogurt in the slaw for a drizzle of olive oil or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Also, use plant-based butter for the shrimp sauce.

How long does it take to cook shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly—about 90 seconds per side. They’re done when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Name: Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime); 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tablespoons honey; ½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded; ½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat); 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); Pinch of salt; 8 small (6-inch) tortillas (corn or flour); 1 ripe avocado, sliced; Extra lime wedges, for serving

Description

These cilantro lime shrimp tacos are packed with zesty flavor, creamy slaw, and buttery shrimp in a honey-lime sauce—perfect for quick, healthy meals any night.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp

1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons honey
½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped

For the Slaw

3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Pinch of salt

For Assembly

8 small (6-inch) tortillas (corn or flour)
1 ripe avocado, sliced
Extra lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove any moisture. In a large bowl, combine them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, tossing until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 90 seconds on one side, flip, and cook for another 90 seconds until the shrimp are opaque and slightly golden.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey to the pan. Stir everything gently and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in chopped cilantro and remove from heat.
Prepare the Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is lightly coated. The slaw should be creamy but not overly wet.
Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas using your preferred method—microwave, skillet, oven, or over a gas burner. This makes them soft, pliable, and perfect for folding.
Assemble the Tacos: On each tortilla, add a generous scoop of slaw, 4–6 shrimp, a drizzle of the honey-lime sauce from the pan, avocado slices, and an extra squeeze of lime.

Notes

You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt, or use bagged slaw mix to save time. For a spicier kick, add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the shrimp. If you’re feeding kids, serve the components deconstructed. These tacos pair well with black beans, grilled corn, or fresh fruit salsa.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 429
Sugar: 12.6 g
Sodium: 481.4 mg
Fat: 17.3 g
Saturated Fat: 6.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10.1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 7.9 g
Protein: 30.3 g
Cholesterol: 200.2 mg