Spicy Gulf Shrimp Tacos with Lime-Cilantro Slaw
Tender shrimp seasoned with smoky chipotle and cumin, served in warm corn tortillas topped with a fresh lime and cilantro slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, chipotle 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb raw peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until shrimp are evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix well and season with 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp in each tortilla and topping with a generous spoonful of lime-cilantro slaw.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Gulf Shrimp Tacos with Lime-Cilantro 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 Spicy Gulf Shrimp Tacos with Lime-Cilantro 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 chipotle chili powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Gulf Shrimp Tacos with Lime-Cilantro 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 Spicy Gulf Shrimp Tacos with Lime-Cilantro 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 Spicy Gulf Shrimp Tacos with Lime-Cilantro 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.
