Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw are a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a zesty, crunchy slaw for the perfect bite. The grilled shrimp bring a smoky, charred flavor that pairs beautifully with the crisp, tangy cabbage slaw and creamy sauce. These tacos are light, yet filling, and make a great option for a quick dinner or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple, or a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
- While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the cabbage slaw by mixing the shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well to combine.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
- To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with cabbage slaw, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Grilling time: 6-8 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the slaw.
- Use grilled fish instead of shrimp for a different seafood option.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the tortillas on the stovetop instead of just warming them.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover grilled shrimp and cabbage slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, while the slaw should be consumed within 1-2 days for best texture. To reheat, warm the shrimp on a grill or in a pan for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and grilling.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan will work just as well for cooking the shrimp.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas, the tacos will be gluten-free.
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw offer a delicious balance of smoky shrimp, crisp slaw, and tangy lime. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a tasty delight.
PrintGrilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Grilled shrimp tacos with a tangy cabbage slaw for a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp in the mixture and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the tacos: place 2-3 shrimp on each tortilla, top with cabbage slaw, and add a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to swap the cabbage slaw for a store-bought version if you’re short on time.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top of the tacos before serving.
- If you want a spicier version, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade.