Orange-Chile Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

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

Juicy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy orange-chile glaze tucked into warm tortillas with fresh cilantro slaw for a vibrant taco night. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, orange juice, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; toss well to make the cilantro slaw.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side. Divide shrimp evenly among tortillas and top with cilantro slaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange-Chile Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Orange-Chile Glazed 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 Orange-Chile Glazed 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 Orange-Chile Glazed 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 Orange-Chile Glazed 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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