Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

These Spicy Shrimp Tacos are packed with irresistible flavors—savory, spicy shrimp paired with creamy, tangy garlic cilantro lime slaw and topped with smooth avocado and salty cotija cheese. The combination of fresh ingredients and spices creates a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for taco nights, family dinners, or any time you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this recipe will become your go-to for taco night!

Ingredients

For the Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive 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 the sauce)
  
  

For the Shrimp Taco Spice Mix:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
  
  

• 2 teaspoons cumin
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  
  

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 ripe avocados
  
  

• 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
  
  

• Lime wedges for serving
  
  

Directions

1. Make the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, pulse together the olive oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and water until mostly smooth. Add more water if the sauce is too thick.
   
   

2. Prepare the Slaw: Toss some of the sauce with the shredded cabbage to make the slaw. Set the rest of the sauce aside for later use.
   
   

3. Cook the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a small bowl with the spice mix to coat evenly. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through.
   
   

4. Assemble the Tacos: For the best presentation and easiest assembly, layer the tacos in this order: smashed avocado, slaw, and shrimp. Finish with crumbled Cotija cheese, lime wedges, and a drizzle of the reserved garlic cilantro lime sauce.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 25g
  
  

• Protein: 28g
  
  

• Fat: 22g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 5g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 165mg
  
  

• Sodium: 800mg
  
  

• Potassium: 450mg
  
  

• Fiber: 6g
  
  

• Sugar: 6g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 400 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 35mg
  
  

• Calcium: 120mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg