Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re in the mood for something that’s not just delicious but also brings a little sunshine into your kitchen, then you are going to love these Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw. Taco night at my house is kind of a big deal and these tacos are always at the center of the table, stealing all the spotlight!
There’s something magical about shrimp tacos. Maybe it’s the way they’re perfectly spiced with just the right amount of kick from chili powder and cumin. Or perhaps it’s the zesty crunch of the Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw that just makes your taste buds dance! I remember the first time I whipped these up for friends—there were happy little squeals followed by seconds, and even thirds! This recipe perfectly balances savory and refreshing flavors, making it a go-to for any gathering.
What’s in Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Let’s break down these fantastic ingredients, shall we?
Shrimp: The star of the show! I usually opt for wild-caught shrimp if I can find it—better flavor and sustainability!
Chili Powder: This is where the flavor party begins. It adds a nice, warm kick to the shrimp.
Cumin: With its earthy undertones, cumin complements the shrimp beautifully, giving it that incredible depth.
Paprika: Adding a touch of sweetness and color, paprika rounds out the spice mix.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those flavors. I like to keep my salt on the lower side for health reasons.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of this goodness helps in cooking the shrimp to perfection.
Tortillas: Whether you choose corn or flour, you can’t go wrong. I love the way the warm tortillas hug all the fillings!
Avocado: Mashed or in guacamole form, this creamy element is just divine!
And for that bright, zesty slaw:
Green Cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides the crunch that every good taco needs.
Cilantro: The fresh flavor of cilantro adds a pop of brightness. If you’re a cilantro hater, feel free to swap this with chopped green onions!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This creamy component helps balance out the spices, with Greek yogurt being a healthier option.
Garlic: Minced garlic? Yes, please! It adds a punch of flavor that complements the shrimp so well.
Lime Juice: Brightens everything up—seriously, who doesn’t love the zing of fresh lime?
Is Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Good for You?
Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, which makes it perfect for those of us that want to enjoy delicious food without packing on the calories. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients, and let’s not forget those omega-3 fatty acids that are great for heart health!
On the other hand, if you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for fresh shrimp and control the amount of salt you use. The slaw is virtually guilt-free too, especially if made with Greek yogurt. Green cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, while cilantro adds antioxidants.
But remember, moderation is key! Enjoying these colorful, flavorful shrimp tacos once in a while is all about balance.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves 4.
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
– 1 avocado, mashed (optional for guacamole)
**For the Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw**:
– 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these tacos!
1. **Prepare the shrimp**: In a bowl, combine your shrimp with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together until the shrimp is well-coated in the spices.
2. **Cook the shrimp**: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the seasoned shrimp and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be cooked through and slightly crispy. Once done, remove them from the heat.
3. **Make the slaw**: In a separate large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until it’s well combined.
4. **Warm the tortillas**: Take your small tortillas and warm them up in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re nice and pliable.
5. **Assemble the tacos**: Time to build your masterpiece! Start with layering the mashed avocado (if using) onto the tortillas, followed by the delicious cooked shrimp and then a generous helping of the garlic cilantro lime slaw.
6. **Serve**: For an extra zest, drizzle some additional lime juice or your favorite hot sauce on top, if you like a bit of heat. Dig in and enjoy these fresh shrimp tacos!
Little Tips for Tackling Tacos
– **Make it Your Own**: Feel free to swap out ingredients! Throw in some diced mango for added sweetness or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a splash of your fave hot sauce into the slaw.
– **Don’t Skip the Zest**: I find that a little lime zest makes everything just a tad more bright and yummy!
I can’t wait for you to try these Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw! They’re super easy to whip up and perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Don’t forget to let me know how you liked them—your feedback is always the cherry on top for me! Happy cooking!
