Grilled Shrimp Tacos With Cabbage Slaw – This dish is a perfect balance of zesty shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a creamy, tangy dressing, all wrapped up in warm tortillas.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These shrimp tacos are:
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20-30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and light: Grilled shrimp is packed with protein, while the cabbage slaw adds fiber and nutrients.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings, toppings, and slaw to fit your preferences.
- Bursting with flavor: The marinade for the shrimp and the zesty slaw complement each other beautifully, making each bite a flavor explosion.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Tacos
Make the slaw ahead of time: The cabbage slaw can be made up to a day in advance, giving the flavors more time to develop. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them, and as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
Marinate for flavor: Even a short marinating time will make a big difference, so don’t skip this step! The lime juice and spices infuse the shrimp with zesty, smoky flavor.
Use a grill pan if you don’t have a grill: You can easily cook the shrimp on the stove in a grill pan or a regular skillet if you don’t have access to a grill.
Variations on Grilled Shrimp Tacos With Cabbage Slaw
Spicy Shrimp Tacos:
If you like a bit of heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp marinade. Top your tacos with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Coconut-Lime Shrimp Tacos:
For a tropical twist, substitute coconut milk for the olive oil in the marinade and add some shredded coconut to the cabbage slaw. Serve with a fresh mango salsa to complement the flavors.
Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
Swap out the slaw dressing for a smoky chipotle sauce by blending mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and a touch of honey.
Low-Carb Option:
For a keto-friendly version, ditch the tortillas and serve the shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled shrimp tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive taco night. Here are some ideas on how to elevate your taco experience:
Make It a Party: Serve alongside classic margaritas, iced cold beer, or a citrusy mocktail for the perfect pairing.
Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, and let everyone build their own tacos. Offer a variety of toppings like guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and different hot sauces.
Serve with Sides: Pair your tacos with Mexican rice, black beans, or a refreshing watermelon and mint salad for a complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Storing Leftovers:
- Shrimp: Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving shrimp at room temperature for too long, as seafood spoils quickly.
- Cabbage Slaw: The slaw can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. However, it’s best consumed fresh, as the cabbage may become soggy over time.
Reheating:
- To reheat the shrimp, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Reassemble the tacos with fresh tortillas and slaw for the best results.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and grilling. To thaw frozen shrimp, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for 10-15 minutes.
Can I cook the shrimp on the stove instead of grilling?
Absolutely. You can cook the shrimp in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re fully cooked. A cast-iron skillet works well for getting a good sear.
What can I use instead of cabbage for the slaw?
If you’re not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute shredded lettuce, spinach, or even kale. However, cabbage holds up well to the dressing and provides a nice crunch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the mayonnaise in the slaw for a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayo, and skip any cheese toppings.
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Grilled Shrimp Tacos With Cabbage Slaw - This dish is a perfect balance of zesty shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a creamy, tangy dressing, all wrapped up in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water (if needed, to thin sauce)
- Juice of 2 limes
Shrimp Taco Spice Mix:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2-3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
- 2 avocados
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Blend all the sauce ingredients until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little water to thin it out. This sauce will be your go-to for drizzling on everything!
- Prep the Slaw: Toss a portion of the sauce with shredded cabbage for your slaw. Save the rest of the sauce for topping the tacos later.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat your shrimp dry, then toss them in the spice mix. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for 5-8 minutes until they’re cooked through and have a slight char.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer it up! Start with smashed avocado, add the cabbage slaw, and top with shrimp. Sprinkle on Cotija cheese, drizzle the remaining sauce, and squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 963Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 33gCholesterol 266mgSodium 2624mgCarbohydrates 97gFiber 17gSugar 18gProtein 47g
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.
Conclusion
These Grilled Shrimp Tacos With Cabbage Slaw are an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. With a zesty marinade, a crunchy cabbage slaw, and endless variations, this dish can be tailored to suit any occasion or taste preference. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo taco night, this recipe will become a go-to in your meal rotation. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready to dive into some seriously delicious shrimp tacos!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
