Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are like a fiesta in your mouth, bursting with flavors that make your taste buds dance the cha-cha. Imagine crispy shrimp nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw that adds just the right amount of zing. It’s a flavor explosion that makes you wonder why you ever settled for boring old sandwiches.

Every bite of these shrimp tacos takes me back to summer nights spent with friends and family, lounging under twinkling fairy lights, laughing until our sides hurt. There’s just something magical about bringing people together over delicious food. These tacos are perfect for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will have everyone begging for seconds
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw offer quick preparation and bold flavors that please any crowd
- The colorful presentation makes them eye-catching on any table
- Enjoy them as a light lunch or dinner option that’s also versatile enough for meal prep
- Perfect for taco nights or beach parties, these tacos never disappoint
I remember the first time I made shrimp tacos my friends devoured them in minutes, demanding I make them again, and again.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well just make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas can be used warm them up to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Cabbage: Use green or purple cabbage for crunch shredding it finely helps distribute the flavor evenly.
- Carrots: Grate fresh carrots to add sweetness and color to your slaw they provide a nice contrast to the cabbage.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish it adds acidity that balances the rich flavors of the shrimp.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder create a flavorful seasoning blend that will elevate your shrimp.
- Olive Oil: Use this for sautéing the shrimp it enhances their natural flavors while keeping them moist.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch if you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices make an excellent topping they add richness and healthy fats to your meal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder until they’re well-coated.
Heat Things Up: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Make the Slaw: While the shrimp cooks, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a mixing bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
Warm Those Tortillas: Heat your tortillas in another dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm but not crispy. This step makes them pliable and helps hold all those delicious fillings together.
Assemble Your Tacos: Layer warm tortillas with cooked shrimp first, then generously top with cabbage slaw. Add slices of avocado if desired, followed by extra lime juice or cilantro for garnish.
Dive In: Serve immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant. Enjoy every crunchy, savory bite with friends or family taco night just got upgraded
With every bite of these shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw, you’ll find yourself transported to sunny shores where life is simple and deliciousness reigns supreme
You Must Know
- Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw deliver a delightful crunch and zesty punch
- Perfect for summer gatherings, these tacos are easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser
- The fresh ingredients and bright flavors make them a must-try for taco enthusiasts
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp while you prepare the cabbage slaw. Sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes until they turn pink, then assemble your tacos.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your shrimp tacos with different toppings like avocado, cotija cheese, or salsa verde. You can also switch up the spices to suit your taste
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain their tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture frozen can be watery
- Avoid overcooking shrimp they turn rubbery quickly when cooked too long
- For extra crunch, let slaw sit before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully
Creating these shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw reminds me of summer beach days filled with laughter and good food, surrounded by friends who can’t stop asking for seconds.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure they are thawed completely before marinating and cooking.
What type of tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas add authentic flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
Add jalapeños to the slaw or drizzle hot sauce over your tacos for heat

Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are a vibrant and flavorful dish that will transport you to sun-soaked days by the beach. These quick and easy tacos feature crispy shrimp nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a refreshing cabbage slaw. Perfect for taco nights or casual gatherings, they offer a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy them as a light meal option or prepare them for summer parties—either way, they are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Toss in a bowl with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder until well-coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, grated carrots, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Warm tortillas in another skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble tacos by layering warm tortillas with shrimp, followed by cabbage slaw and avocado slices. Garnish with extra lime juice or cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately while fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg