Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

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

Succulent shrimp tossed in a zesty garlic-lime marinade, served in soft tortillas with a refreshing cilantro slaw for a burst of flavor. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest to make a creamy dressing. Toss the dressing with the cabbage mixture to create the cilantro slaw.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of cilantro slaw before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Mexican seafood 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.

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