Grilled Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and fiery meal that’s perfect for any occasion? These Grilled Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are just what you need! They’re quick to make, full of vibrant flavors, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Packed with perfectly seasoned grilled shrimp, topped with a creamy cilantro lime slaw, and wrapped in soft tortillas, these tacos bring all the zest and zing to your dinner.

Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious tacos at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a taco that’s fresh, spicy, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Spicy Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos:

• 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make Grilled Spicy Shrimp Tacos

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are fully coated with the seasoning.
2. Grill the Shrimp:
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
3. Make the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
   In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well combined, creating a creamy and zesty slaw.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
   While the shrimp cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   Place 2–3 shrimp in the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous amount of cilantro lime slaw. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Here are a few tips to make your shrimp tacos even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Grill the shrimp just until they’re opaque and lightly charred. Overcooking them will make them tough and rubbery.
• Customize the Slaw: You can add some finely sliced red onion or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch in the slaw.
• Spicy Kick: If you like your tacos extra spicy, add some sriracha or hot sauce to the slaw for an added punch.
• Grill the Tortillas: For extra flavor, lightly grill your tortillas for a minute on each side before assembling the tacos.

Serving Ideas

These grilled shrimp tacos are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Serve with Rice: Pair your tacos with a side of cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice for a filling meal.
• Add a Salad: A fresh avocado salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad will add a light and refreshing balance to the dish.
• Pair with a Drink: A cold beer, sparkling water, or a margarita will complement the tacos beautifully.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

These shrimp tacos are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how you can store and enjoy them later:

• Storage: Store the cooked shrimp, slaw, and tortillas in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet for a couple of minutes, and warm the tortillas before serving. The slaw is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 1–2 days.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can grill the shrimp and prepare the slaw ahead of time. Just assemble the tacos right before serving to keep the tortillas fresh.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before seasoning and grilling.

What kind of tortillas should I use?
Both soft corn or flour tortillas work well. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.