Simple Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Juicy shrimp seasoned with chili powder and cumin, pan-seared and served in warm tortillas with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw for a quick, flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup sour cream; mix well to create the cilantro lime slaw.
  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 tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of cilantro lime slaw before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Simple Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Simple Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Simple Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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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