Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema

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

Bright, fresh shrimp tacos topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and a smoky chipotle crema for a quick, flavorful dinner. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 21 minutes turns pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, chili powder into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 6 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound large peeled shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Toss gently to combine and let sit while you prepare the crema.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tsp minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and 1 tsp honey until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Assemble tacos by dividing shrimp evenly among tortillas, topping with cabbage slaw, and drizzling with chipotle crema. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema?

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 Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema 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 Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema?

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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