Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Crema
Tender sautéed shrimp served in warm tortillas topped with a crunchy spicy cabbage slaw and a tangy cilantro lime crema for a fresh seafood taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp peeled and deveined, chili powder, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups small green cabbage shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- 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 shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Toss well to make the spicy cabbage slaw.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sour cream with 2 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro to create the cilantro lime crema.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds. Assemble tacos by layering a few shrimp on each tortilla, topping with a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw, then drizzling with cilantro lime crema. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Crema 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 Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime Crema?
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 chili powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime 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 Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime 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 Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Cilantro Lime 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.
