Spiced Mexican Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp tossed in smoky spices and served in soft tortillas with a crunchy cilantro lime slaw for vibrant flavor and texture. This mexican-inspired caribbean ready in about 21 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, chili powder, smoked paprika 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 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 smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to create 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 shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with generous amounts of cilantro lime slaw.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately for bright, spiced Mexican shrimp tacos bursting with flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mexican Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced Mexican Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

Mexican caribbean 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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