Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh shrimp sautéed with spices served in warm tortillas topped with a zesty cilantro lime slaw for a vibrant seafood taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 23 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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: 8 min Serves 3 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz large shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight char.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and 1 minced small jalapeño. Toss well to create the slaw.
  4. Step 4: Warm 6 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, divide the cooked shrimp evenly among the tortillas and top each with a generous spoonful of the cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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.

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