Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Cabbage Slaw

 Healthy Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw is fresh, flavorful and so easy to make at home. Seasoned shrimp is grilled to perfection and topped with creamy avocado and homemade cabbage slaw that adds crunch and a tangy flavor. Serve fresh shrimp tacos with Mexican rice on the side and you will have a great meal!

 Shrimp Tacos are not just for Taco Tuesday!

While shrimp tacos with cilantro slaw may seem like a summer food or a great choice for Taco Tuesday, we eat them all year round. They are especially good served on the patio when the weather is been nice. Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans and add a pitcher of mojitos (fresh strawberry mojitos are my favorite) or margaritas to go along with it. My family loves shrimp tacos so much that we eat them almost every week.

These tacos are a perfect weeknight dinner because they are so easy and quick to cook. The whole meal can be put on your table in less than half an hour. The combination of fresh grilled shrimp, crunchy slaw and creamy avocado spread served on warm tortillas is so satisfying.

Part of the appeal of these tacos is that they are light and refreshing in the summer months thanks in part to the grilled lime juice squeezed on the shrimp. Come this summer, I will be cooking shrimp outside. But all winter I will be eating shrimp tacos made on my inside grill and hoping for summer to come quick.

I can fit a whole pound of them on my stove top grill so lots of tacos can be made at once. Cook the shrimp with a nice sear on them and the tacos will have a slight smoky flavor.

Ingredients

• Shrimp - Look for large shrimp or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp be sure to thaw completely.
• Seasonings - I like to use a southwest or Mexican seasoning blend but feel free to use your favorite shrimp seasoning or taco seasoning. Also add a bit of salt and pepper.
• Oil – Use a light, neutral flavored oil like olive oil or your favorite vegetable oil.
• Lime - I prefer the flavor of fresh lime juice and grilling the lime wedges gives them a smoky flavor.
• Sour Cream - You can use light sour cream or substitute plain greek yogurt if you prefer.
• Salsa Verde - You can find bottled salsa verde with the other Mexican food projects.
• Avocado - Look for a ripe avocado. Alternately you can substitute avocado crema.
• Slaw Mix – Precut shredded cabbage slaw mix is convenient. You can also chop green cabbage or purple cabbage.
• Cilantro - Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor.
• Rice Wine Vinegar - The vinegar adds a bit of tanginess to the cilantro lime slaw. Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if necessary.
• Tortillas - Use corn or flour tortillas or prepare as a lettuce wrap for a gluten free, low carb alternative. Learn how to warm tortillas HERE so they are soft.
• Toppings - Add your favorite taco toppings such as Queso fresca, cheddar cheese, cotija cheese, salsa or pic de gallo, chopped onions, tomatoes, red onions, green onions, etc.

How to Make Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

• Combine shrimp, seasoning and 1 TBS of olive oil in a medium bowl and toss until well coated. Cook over medium high heat using a grill pan or stovetop grill for 3 minutes on each side. Also, grill the lime cut side down. Remove the shrimp from the grill when done, squeeze half a lime over the shrimp and keep warm.
• While shrimp is cooking, blend the sour cream, salsa verde and mashed avocado in a small bowl until smooth. Add a squeeze of lime juice from the grilled lime and mix well. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl mix together slaw mix, cilantro, vinegar and the remaining 1 TBS olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Wipe the grill clean and warm corn tortillas over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
• Assemble tacos by placing some avocado mixture on each tortilla, slaw mixture, then shrimp. Top with any other desired toppings. Serve any extra slaw on the side.

Find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.

Variations 

• Add taco sauce, hot sauce or cayenne pepper when cooking shrimp to make spicy shrimp tacos. I love drizzling a bit of my homemade Buffalo Sauce on these tacos.
• Cook shrimp in the air fryer and change up the seasoning with these BBQ Air Fryer Shrimp. 
• Sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, and guacamole are classic and delicious options for toppings.
• Add some minced garlic or garlic powder in with your shrimp while you cook them for a burst of extra flavor.
• Add your favorite seasonings. Some to consider include cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, ground cumin and ancho chili powder.
• Want to make your own tortillas too? Here's a great recipe from The Café Sucre Farine!

If you like this shrimp taco recipe, also try my Fresh Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa.

Shrimp Taco with Cabbage Slaw FAQ

Side Dishes / Toppings to Serve With Your Tacos

• Three Minute Blender Salsa
• Homemade Refried Beans from A Couple Cooks
• Mexican Street Corn Salad from Jo Cooks
• Black Bean and Corn Salsa
• Roasted Vegetables 

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RECIPE

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