Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Introduction

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of cilantro and lime with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp and a creamy slaw that adds crunch and tang. This dish offers a delightful balance of savory, zesty, and creamy elements, making it a perfect choice for a casual dinner or a taco night with friends and family.

The History of Ingredients

Shrimp: Shrimp has been a staple in global cuisine for centuries, particularly in coastal areas. It has roots in both Asian and European cuisine and is loved for its versatility and mild flavor. In the context of tacos, shrimp became popular as a seafood option to balance the heavy, meat-based taco fillings.
Cilantro: This herb is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely used in cuisines across the world, especially in Latin American, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes. In Mexican cuisine, cilantro adds a fresh, bright flavor to salsas, tacos, and various dishes.
Lime: Limes, originating from Southeast Asia, have long been used to enhance the flavors of foods, especially in tropical and Latin American cuisines. The tangy acidity of lime is the perfect complement to shrimp and helps balance out the richness of the creamy slaw.
Cabbage and Slaw: Cabbage, often used in slaws, has been around for thousands of years. It’s a key component in many Asian and European dishes. The creamy slaw typically made with cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise became popular in American cuisine in the 18th century. Adding this to tacos brings a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw, you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Creamy Slaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

Small flour or corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Marinate the Shrimp:

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Prepare the Creamy Slaw:

In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cabbage and carrots.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, tossing to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
Place the cooked shrimp on each tortilla, then top with a generous amount of creamy slaw.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your cilantro lime shrimp tacos immediately, with extra lime wedges on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. They should be pink and opaque when done.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime, and cabbage will make all the difference in the flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the slaw ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
Customize the Slaw: Feel free to add some spicy elements to the slaw, like sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Tortilla Choice: Both flour and corn tortillas work well. If you’re gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas.

Variations and Customizations

Grilled Shrimp: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-cooking them.
Avocado: Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy, buttery texture that complements the shrimp and slaw.
Spicy Slaw: For heat, mix in a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of sriracha into the slaw.
Add Fruit: Pineapple, mango, or even watermelon can be added to the slaw or as a topping to introduce a sweet, fruity contrast to the savory shrimp.
Non-Shrimp Option: If shrimp isn’t your thing, substitute with grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Shrimp: A low-calorie, high-protein seafood option, shrimp are a great source of vitamins like B12, iodine, and selenium. However, they can be high in cholesterol, so moderation is key.
Slaw: While typically creamy, using a lighter dressing (e.g., Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise) can reduce the calorie and fat content. Cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Tortillas: Opt for whole grain or corn tortillas for a healthier option with more fiber.

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Taco (with shrimp and slaw):

Calories: 250-300
Protein: 18-22g
Fat: 12-15g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Fiber: 3-5g

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The shrimp should be cooked fresh for the best texture, but the creamy slaw can be made a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge.

3. How spicy are these tacos? The tacos are mild with a hint of spice from the chili powder. For more heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

4. Can I use a different protein for these tacos? Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, fish, or even vegetarian options like grilled portobello mushrooms.

5. How long will leftovers last? The shrimp should be eaten the same day, but leftover slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Enjoy your Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw for a refreshing, flavorful meal!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 28

Servings 4

Ingredients

Shrimp
1 lb wild-caught shrimp peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika garlic powder and chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon lime zest from 1 lime
2 tablespoons lime juice from that same lime
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 bunch cilantro finely chopped
The Rest
3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
1/2 bunch cilantro finely chopped
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 whole lime
avocado sliced
8 6- inch tortillas corn or flour, your preference
extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and chili powder. Toss shrimp to get them evenly coated with seasonings. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp, taking care not to overcrowd the pan (you might need to work in 2 batches depending on the size of your pan). Cook shrimp for 90 seconds, flip and cook another 90 seconds, until the shrimp are opaque and have some golden brown caramelization on both sides.
Reduce the heat to low, add the butter, lime zest and juice and honey, tossing to coat the shrimp and create a cohesive sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and coating the shrimp. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro to finish the sauce.
Slaw
Place cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Toss until the cabbage is evenly coated with herbs and yogurt. This slaw is not overly dressed, there should be just enough yogurt and lime juice to create a light, creamy coating for the slaw.
Assembly
Warm tortillas in the microwave, oven or over the gas flame of a gas stovetop (my preferred method). In a tortilla add a scoop of creamy slaw and 4-6 shrimp. Spoon on some of that glorious cilantro honey lime sauce. Finish with avocado slices and another squeeze of lime. Enjoy a few tacos, then mail me one mmkay?

Notes

Refer to above post for ingredient substitution ideas, expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions!

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