Shrimp Taco Slaw is the perfect combination of crunchy, tangy, and savory. Tender shrimp is perfectly seasoned and paired with a zesty, crunchy slaw made from fresh cabbage, carrots, and a hint of lime. Topped with a creamy, spicy dressing on classic tacos that can be served in soft tortillas or enjoyed on its own
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to the perfect shrimp taco slaw is balancing flavors and textures. A creamy yet tangy slaw complements the smoky, spiced shrimp while providing a refreshing crunch. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your palate.
- Light yet satisfying: Combines fresh ingredients for a healthy, vibrant meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Taco Slaw
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cabbage, carrots, and lime juice make a world of difference in flavor.
- Chill before serving: Letting the slaw rest in the fridge for at least 15–30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to your slaw for extra kick.
- Balance the dressing: Taste the slaw before serving to ensure the dressing is perfectly balanced between tangy, creamy, and sweet.
- Don’t over-sauce: Use just enough dressing to coat the veggies without making them soggy.
Variations to Try
The beauty of shrimp taco slaw lies in its versatility. Here are some creative variations:
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: Swap out the lime juice for rice vinegar, and add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for a unique twist.
- Avocado Slaw: Blend avocado into the dressing for a creamy, nutrient-packed variation.
- Pineapple Slaw: Add diced pineapple for a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Low-Carb Version: Use a keto-friendly mayo and substitute cabbage with finely shredded kale or zucchini noodles.
How to Serve Shrimp Taco Slaw
Here’s how to make the most out of your shrimp taco slaw:
- Classic Shrimp Tacos: Pile the slaw on top of warm tortillas filled with grilled or sautéed shrimp.
- Bowl It Up: Layer the slaw with shrimp, rice, and beans for a hearty taco bowl.
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled seafood, chicken, or even burgers.
- Salad Upgrade: Mix shrimp taco slaw with mixed greens for a refreshing, standalone salad.
How to Store Shrimp Taco Slaw
- Refrigerate: Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible and mix before serving.
- Prep Ahead: Slice and dice the veggies ahead of time and mix them with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Freeze? Not Recommended: Freezing slaw is not ideal as the cabbage and carrots lose their crunch when thawed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make shrimp taco slaw ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the slaw up to a day in advance, but store the dressing separately to prevent the veggies from becoming soggy.
What kind of cabbage works best?
A mix of green and red cabbage provides a colorful presentation and a great texture. Pre-shredded bagged slaw mix is also a convenient option.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and a protein boost while keeping the slaw light.
What are the best seasonings for shrimp tacos?
A combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne creates the perfect smoky, spicy flavor for shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Shrimp Taco Slaw
Shrimp Taco Slaw is the perfect combination of crunchy, tangy, and savory. Tender shrimp is perfectly seasoned and paired with a zesty, crunchy slaw made from fresh cabbage, carrots, and a hint of lime.
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
- 6–8 tortillas (your preferred size)
- 1 lb raw shrimp
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp oil (olive or canola)
- 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
Toppings:
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1/3 cup cubed tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Shred the green and red cabbage finely. Toss with some cilantro lime sauce until well coated.
- Dice the Toppings: Cube the avocado and tomatoes; set aside.
- Coat the shrimp with taco seasoning for that bold flavor.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Heat the tortillas in a skillet or oven for the perfect soft and pliable texture.
- Start with a base of cabbage slaw, add shrimp, avocado, and tomatoes, then drizzle with cilantro lime sauce.
- Squeeze on fresh lemon or lime juice for extra zest.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 2083Total Fat 61gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 42gCholesterol 113mgSodium 3316mgCarbohydrates 320gFiber 22gSugar 3gProtein 61g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp tacos with slaw are a delightful combination of fresh, zesty flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Perfect for taco Tuesdays, dinner parties, or even a solo indulgence, shrimp taco slaw will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments below!
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