Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Chipotle Mayo
Crisp sautéed shrimp nestled in warm corn tortillas with a zesty cilantro-lime slaw and smoky chipotle mayo make these tacos perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined medium shrimp, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups, shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp chopped chipotle in adobo sauce and 1 tsp honey until smooth.
- Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble the tacos by spreading a spoonful of chipotle mayo on each tortilla, topping with a handful of cilantro-lime slaw, and finishing with 3-4 sautéed shrimp. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Chipotle Mayo 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Chipotle Mayo?
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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Chipotle Mayo?
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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Chipotle Mayo 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Chipotle Mayo?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best shrimp tacos ever. The slaw adds the perfect crunch.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured these tacos. Easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for date night! The chipotle mayo was the star.