The aroma of sizzling shrimp mingling with zesty lime juice dances in the air, inviting you to dive into a plate of shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw. Each bite promises a delightful crunch balanced by the succulent shrimp, making it the perfect dish for a sunny afternoon or any taco Tuesday.

Picture yourself at a lively beach gathering, laughter echoing as friends devour these delicious morsels. The vibrant colors of fresh ingredients come together to create not just a meal but a feast for the eyes. Trust me, these shrimp tacos will take you on a flavor adventure that’s nothing short of amazing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Preparing shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw is simple and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors is fresh and vibrant, sure to please everyone at your table
- These tacos are visually stunning, adding a pop of color to your dinner spread
- Plus, they are versatile; enjoy them as appetizers or main courses!
I remember the first time I made these shrimp tacos for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
Cabbage: Choose crisp green cabbage for its crunch; it adds texture and freshness to your tacos.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the shrimp.
Avocado: Ripe avocados will provide creamy goodness; look for ones that yield slightly when pressed.
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas work well; warm them up to enhance their flavor and softness.
For the Sauce:
Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to sour cream that still provides creaminess and tanginess.
Hot Sauce: Add your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick; it pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s sweetness.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder deepens the flavor profile without overwhelming it.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the cabbage finely, slice the avocado, and set aside your seasonings so everything is ready to go.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Toss in the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Mix the Slaw: In a bowl, combine chopped cabbage with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well until every shred glistens—this crunchy slaw brings freshness to your tacos.
Create the Sauce: In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt with hot sauce and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning according to taste; this creamy sauce will elevate your dish.
Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas on a dry skillet until warm and pliable. This step makes them more enjoyable to fold around those flavorful fillings.
Assemble Your Tacos: Layer cooked shrimp on each tortilla, add slaw generously on top, drizzle with sauce, and finish with avocado slices. Serve immediately for best results!
Enjoy diving into these delightful shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw that are bound to become a regular in your household!
You Must Know
- Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are a delightful combination of flavors and textures
- The crisp cabbage balances the tender shrimp, while zesty toppings elevate every bite
- These tacos are perfect for gatherings, and they’ll impress your friends with their vibrant colors and delicious taste
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp to infuse flavor, then sauté until pink and crisp. Meanwhile, prepare the slaw for maximum crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu, and mix in your favorite spices for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers. Reheat shrimp on low heat to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan; it leads to steaming rather than searing
- Use fresh lime juice for a zesty kick that brightens every bite
- Don’t skip the slaw; it adds essential crunch and contrasts beautifully with the shrimp
I once made these shrimp tacos for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “taco night.” Everyone raved about how fresh and tasty they were!
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for tacos?
Use large or jumbo shrimp for a satisfying bite that holds up well in tacos.
Can I make cabbage slaw ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the slaw a few hours prior to serving for optimal freshness and flavor.
What toppings pair well with shrimp tacos?
Consider avocado slices, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to enhance your shrimp tacos.
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together succulent shrimp, crunchy cabbage, and zesty toppings. Perfect for taco night or a sunny afternoon, these tacos are quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and fresh flavors, making them an ideal choice for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3 (2 tacos each) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 ripe avocado (sliced)
- 6 corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the cabbage, slice the avocado, and measure out seasonings.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix the Slaw: In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage with lime juice, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
- Create the Sauce: In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and garlic powder; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas on a dry skillet until warm.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Layer cooked shrimp on each tortilla, top with slaw, drizzle with sauce, and add avocado slices. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate shrimp in lime juice for 15 minutes before cooking. Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers; reheat shrimp gently to maintain texture.