Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Dressing
Quick sautéed shrimp seasoned with chili and garlic, tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy cabbage slaw and zesty cilantro lime dressing. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, chili powder, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup sour cream until combined, seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Divide the shrimp evenly among tortillas and top with the cabbage slaw. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Dressing?
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 Cilantro Lime Dressing 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 Cilantro Lime Dressing?
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.
