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Delicious spicy shrimp tacos served with cilantro lime slaw and avocado crema.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Quick and flavorful Spicy Shrimp Tacos with a fresh cilantro slaw, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the shrimp
  • 1 to 1.25 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined Use raw shrimp for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 fresh garlic clove, minced)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne Adjust according to heat preference.
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 piece lime, cut into wedges
For the cilantro slaw
  • 3 cups shredded cabbage or bagged coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons mayo or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • pinch salt
  • optional thin sliced jalapeno, green onions, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for crunch Optional add-ins for texture.
For serving
  • 8 to 12 corn tortillas or small flour tortillas
  • to taste optional toppings: avocado, hot sauce, cotija, pickled onions

Method
 

Cooking the Shrimp
  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them sear.
  2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes if possible.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
  4. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a loose 'C' shape.
  5. Squeeze lime over the shrimp at the end and turn off the heat.
Preparing the Cilantro Slaw
  1. Mix mayo (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, honey, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Stir in shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro. Adjust lime and honey to taste.
Assembly
  1. Warm tortillas in a skillet for 20 seconds per side or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds with a damp paper towel.
  2. Fill warmed tortillas with shrimp, slaw, and any desired toppings.

Notes

For the best flavor, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Set up a taco station for buffet-style serving.