Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Cabbage Slaw

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

Bright and zesty shrimp tacos featuring garlic-lime marinated shrimp topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw for a light coastal-inspired dish. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp with their marinade. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup sour cream. Mix well to create a creamy slaw.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 shrimp, and serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Cabbage 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Cabbage 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 Fresh Cabbage 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 Fresh Cabbage 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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