– **Title**: Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Shrimp**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest and juice of 2 limes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– **For the Creamy Slaw**:
– 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Other Ingredients**:
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Lime wedges for serving
– Extra cilantro for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the creamy slaw. In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrot.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined. Set aside.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until pliable.
6. To assemble the tacos, place some of the cooked shrimp on a tortilla, top with creamy slaw, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
7. Serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp work too. Just thaw them in cold water first. If you’re not a seafood fan, try chicken or tofu for a different twist!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or basil could be substituted. I often lean towards parsley for a milder taste.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is great for crunch. You can swap it for red cabbage if you like a color pop or even use coleslaw mix for convenience.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It gives creaminess with a protein boost. I love using this when I’m watching calories!
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be quick, and it’s easy to overcook them, turning them rubbery. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect shrimp:
- Only cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when done.
- Preheat your skillet well before adding the shrimp; this helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed, so they fry nicely.
How to Make Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Avocado or guacamole (optional for serving)
- Additional cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. You will need a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish, including marinating the shrimp while you prepare the slaw. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes while you prepare the slaw. This will help infuse the shrimp with all those delicious flavors!
2. Prepare the Creamy Slaw:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Toss until well combined. Set the slaw aside to let the flavors blend together while the shrimp marinates.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. It shouldn’t take long, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove from heat.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate dry skillet over low heat until soft or in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes them easier to fold and enjoy.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and place a few shrimp in the center. Top it off with the creamy slaw. If you want, add slices of avocado or a scoop of guacamole. Garnish with additional cilantro if you like, and serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
6. Enjoy Your Tacos!
Dig in and savor your zesty cilantro lime shrimp tacos with creamy slaw. They’re fresh, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Slaw?
If you want a lighter option or need a mayonnaise substitute, Greek yogurt is a fantastic choice! It adds creaminess and a bit of tang. You could also use dairy-free mayonnaise or make a creamy dressing with blended silken tofu for a vegan option.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
To store leftovers, place the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay good for up to 2 days, while the slaw is best consumed within a day for maximum freshness. To reheat the shrimp, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead of time or a day in advance! Just keep it stored in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to use it!
