Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Sauce

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

Quick sautéed shrimp nestled in warm tortillas topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and a zesty cilantro lime sauce. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 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 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. 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 small minced jalapeño until smooth to create the cilantro lime sauce.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by layering the cabbage slaw, 3-4 shrimp per tortilla, and drizzle with the cilantro lime sauce. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Sauce 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 Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Sauce?

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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Sauce?

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

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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