Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Slaw

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

Quick sautéed shrimp tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a zesty chipotle lime slaw for a perfect balance of spice and freshness. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes turns peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/8 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo, and 1 tsp honey. Toss until the slaw is evenly coated and vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the shrimp evenly among the tortillas and topping with a generous scoop of chipotle lime slaw.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze the remaining 1/8 cup lime juice over tacos and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Slaw 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 Chipotle Lime Slaw?

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 Chipotle 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Slaw 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 Chipotle Lime Slaw?

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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