Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy firecracker shrimp paired with a crunchy, spicy slaw in warm tortillas for a flavorful seafood taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, cornstarch, mayonnaise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 pound large shrimp with 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and opaque. Remove shrimp and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Stir until smooth to create the spicy sauce.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Toss with half of the spicy sauce to coat the slaw.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing a handful of slaw on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 shrimp, and drizzling with remaining spicy sauce. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Firecracker Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Slaw?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes