Grilled South Padre Island Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Tender grilled shrimp marinated in bright spices served on corn tortillas with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw, inspired by South Padre Island flavors. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, chili powder 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 head thinly sliced red cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1 tsp honey. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw and avocado slices if using.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled South Padre Island Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Grilled South Padre Island Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Grilled South Padre Island Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Grilled South Padre Island Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Grilled South Padre Island Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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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