Description
These Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw offer a vibrant and zesty twist on a classic favorite. Tender shrimp are seasoned with Tajin and lime, sautéed in butter, then nestled in warm toasted tortillas with a refreshing cabbage slaw, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp & Seasoning
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp (peeled or unpeeled)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Tajin seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
Cabbage Slaw
- 1 ½ cups purple or white cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 tsp sea salt
To Serve
- 6 corn or flour tortillas (toasted)
- ½ cup Lena’s Kitchen Pickled onions (divided between tacos)
- 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: Finely shred the cabbage and place it in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice and sea salt, then massage the mixture into the cabbage using your hands to soften it. Set the slaw aside while you cook the shrimp.
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Tajin seasoning and sea salt until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt the unsalted butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, adjusting for size—smaller shrimp take about 4 minutes total, larger ones about 6 minutes.
- Add Lime and Cilantro: Once the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze half a lime over them and add ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine. If the shrimp have their peels on, carefully remove peel and tails, then toss the shrimp back in the pan to coat with the flavors.
- Toast the Tortillas: Using a pan or the stovetop, toast the tortillas for about one minute on each side until they develop slight char marks. This enhances flavor and pliability.
- Assemble the Tacos: On each toasted tortilla, layer some cabbage slaw, about three large cooked shrimp, and divide the pickled onions evenly. Top with freshly chopped cilantro and finish with a squeeze of lime for added zest.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while hot and enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors.
Notes
- Adjust Tajin seasoning to taste for milder or stronger flavor.
- Using peeled shrimp can speed up prep time, but shrimp with shell can add more flavor if peeled after cooking.
- Pickled onions can be replaced with fresh red onions if unavailable, but pickled adds a nice tang.
- For gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour.
- To make it spicier, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce as a topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: shrimp tacos, chili lime shrimp, cabbage slaw, Mexican tacos, quick shrimp recipe, seafood tacos
