Smoky shrimp, crisp slaw, warm tortillas—fresh tacos on the table in 30 minutes flat.
Let’s be honest—some nights you want a comfortable dinner that feels like a treat but doesn’t feel heavy or take your entire evening to prepare. That’s exactly where these grilled shrimp tacos with crunchy cabbage slaw come in.
They’re light, fresh, and full of flavor, but still give you that satisfying “taco night” vibe. These grilled shrimp tacos are just like a lifesaver after a long, busy day. Juicy and just the right amount of spicy, the slaw is crisp and creamy, and when you eat it with a warm corn tortilla—wow.
Best part? No food coma after, a kind of meal (grilled shrimp tacos) you can whip up in just 30 minutes, and still feel like you’re eating something special. Honestly, it’s like a cheat code for Taco Tuesday, a quick weeknight dinner. Just fresh, light, satisfying tacos that make you think, Why didn’t I do this sooner?
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cabbage Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green, or mix both)
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 6 small corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, hot sauce, extra cilantro
The Sauce: Garlic-Cilantro Lime Crema
Because every taco deserves a drizzle of creamy, zesty sauce, here’s a quick recipe you’ll love:
Ingredients
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, mayo, and lime juice until smooth.
- Stir in garlic, cilantro, and salt.
- Adjust lime or salt to taste, then drizzle generously over your tacos.
Love variety? Try Chipotle Mayo for a smoky kick or Avocado Sauce for a creamy, fresh twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Set aside for 10–15 minutes while you prep the slaw.
2. Make the Cabbage Slaw
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, and cilantro.
Whisk together yogurt (or mayo), lime juice, and salt, then toss with the veggies until evenly coated. Chill until serving.
3. Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.
Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
4. Warm & Assemble the Tacos
Warm corn tortillas on a skillet or flame for 30 seconds each side.
Fill with slaw, shrimp, and your favorite toppings.
Tips for Using Frozen Shrimp
- If you’re making shrimp tacos with shrimp from the freezer aisle, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Short on time? Place them in a bowl of cool water for a quick thaw.
- Frozen shrimp might not be ideal for a cold shrimp cocktail, but they work beautifully in dishes layered with spices, marinades, or garlic. Think flavorful meals like shrimp stir-fry, shrimp with quinoa bowls, or even a garlic shrimp pasta.
Nutrition (Per 2 Shrimp Tacos)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Vitamin C: 60% DV
These tacos are high-protein, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients like antioxidants from cabbage and lean protein from shrimp, making them a balanced dinner option.
Serving Ideas
- Add sliced avocado or creamy guacamole for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- You can also serve them with grilled corn, roasted veggies, or Spanish rice.
- Make it a shrimp taco bar—set out toppings like mango salsa, pickled onions, and hot sauce so everyone builds their own.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle powder or sriracha to the shrimp marinade.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps.
- Crispy Shrimp Tacos: Instead of grilling, lightly bread shrimp and pan-fry for a crunchy bite.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keep slaw and shrimp stored separately in the fridge; assemble when ready to eat.
FAQ (Shrimp Tacos)
1. What’s the best sauce for shrimp tacos?
A simple garlic-cilantro lime crema works perfectly. You can also try Chipotle mayo or Avocado sauce
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
3. Are shrimp tacos healthy?
Yes! They’re low in calories, high in protein, and full of fiber and vitamins when paired with slaw and fresh toppings.
4. Can I make these shrimp tacos ahead of time?
The shrimp taste best fresh off the grill, but you can prep the slaw and toppings ahead to save time.
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Quick Recap
These grilled shrimp tacos with crunchy cabbage slaw are quick, healthy, and satisfying. They’re the ultimate mix of smoky grilled shrimp, tangy slaw, and fresh toppings. Whether you want a light summer dinner, a high-protein meal, or just a fun spin on taco night, this recipe hits the spot.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage Slaw – A High-Protein Seafood Dinner
Equipment
- 1 Grill pan
- 1 Cast iron skillet
- 3 Serving platter
