There’s something magical about the combination of shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw. The juicy shrimp, seasoned to perfection, meet the crunch of fresh cabbage like a match made in culinary heaven. If you close your eyes and take a bite, you can almost hear the waves crashing on a sunny beach while enjoying these delightful tacos.
I remember the first time I made shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw for my friends. We were having a casual get-together, and I thought this dish would impress them. Little did I know, it would turn into an unforgettable taco fiesta filled with laughter and deliciousness. These vibrant tacos are ideal for any occasion—be it a laid-back dinner or a lively summer barbecue. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are simple yet bursting with flavor
- You can easily customize them to suit your preferences
- The colorful ingredients create a feast for the eyes
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive gatherings
My friends devoured these tacos in minutes and begged for the recipe. It’s always heartwarming when food brings people together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
Taco Shells: Soft corn tortillas are my go-to; they hold everything together beautifully.
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds excellent crunch; feel free to mix in red cabbage for color.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up all the flavors; bottled juice won’t give you that zing.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices elevate these tacos and balance out the spices perfectly.
Spices: Use chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for seasoning; these give shrimp that flavorful kick.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top makes every bite creamy and delicious.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This ensures they cook evenly without excess moisture.
Season It Up: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Imagine that lovely aroma filling your kitchen as you mix.
Cook Those Shrimp.: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the seasoned shrimp and sauté until pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side should do it.
Toss Together Your Slaw: In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat every crunchy piece with zesty goodness.
Assemble Your Tacos: Warm your taco shells in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10 seconds until they’re soft and pliable. Layer on cooked shrimp followed by generous scoops of cabbage slaw.
Add Finishing Touches: Top with sliced avocado and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Squeeze more lime juice over everything if you’re feeling zesty.
Now take a moment to admire your creation before diving in—the colors alone will make your mouth water.
Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are not just food; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Whether you’re having a quiet night at home or throwing a taco party with friends, these little wonders will never disappoint. Enjoy every bite.
You Must Know
- Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are not just delicious; they’re a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture
- Perfect for any occasion, these tacos can bring the beach party to your kitchen table
- Enjoy the crispness of fresh ingredients paired with succulent shrimp
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté your shrimp on medium heat until they’re pink and opaque, then assemble your tacos while they cool. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and ready to serve at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cabbage for crunchy romaine or add avocado slices for creaminess. A sprinkle of lime juice can elevate the flavors even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen works too if thawed properly
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens up everything beautifully
- When assembling your tacos, layer ingredients carefully to prevent sogginess
Cooking these shrimp tacos reminds me of a sunny beach day where laughter filled the air, and every bite tasted like summer.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for best results.
What can I substitute for cabbage in this recipe?
You can use lettuce or even shredded carrots for a different crunch and flavor.
How spicy can I make my shrimp tacos?
Adjust the seasoning or add jalapeños to control the spice level according to your taste.

Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. Juicy, seasoned shrimp paired with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy avocado create a delightful combination that will transport you to a sunny beach with every bite. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for casual dinners or lively gatherings, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious tacos!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 soft corn tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- In another bowl, mix shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper for the slaw.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble tacos by layering shrimp and slaw in each tortilla.
- Top with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: For added crunch, substitute cabbage with romaine lettuce or shredded carrots. Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder according to preference.