Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate weeknight dinner or weekend crowd-pleaser. Zesty, juicy shrimp paired with a creamy lime slaw make each taco a fresh and flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, these tacos offer bold taste with minimal effort—and they’re ready in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

- 🕒 Quick & Easy: Ready in just 28 minutes.
- 🌿 Fresh Ingredients: Packed with herbs, citrus, and veggies.
- 💪 Healthy & Hearty: Protein-rich with no heavy sauces.
- 🌮 Customizable: Use corn or flour tortillas, add your favorite toppings.
- 🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for taco night, summer grilling, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
For the Creamy Slaw:
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Additional:
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, spices, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Toss the shrimp until fully coated. Let marinate while you prepare the slaw. - Make the Slaw
In another bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, and lime juice. Stir until creamy and well coated. Refrigerate to chill and enhance flavor. - Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. - Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. - Assemble the Tacos
Add shrimp to each tortilla, top with creamy slaw, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 tacos each)
Cuisine: Mexican
Method: Skillet
Nutrition Facts (per taco)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 490mg
Tips & Variations
- 🌶 Want spice? Add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
- 🧀 Cheesy twist? Sprinkle with cotija or feta.
- 🌮 Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
- 🥕 Extra crunch? Add shredded carrots or radish to the slaw.
- 🧊 Prep ahead? Marinate the shrimp and make slaw up to 24 hours in advance.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely before marinating.
Can I use a different protein?
Sure—grilled chicken or tofu works great with the same marinade.
How long will leftovers last?
Store components separately. Shrimp and slaw last 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Prep shrimp and slaw ahead, then cook and assemble fresh.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Equipment
- – Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- – Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- – Tongs
Ingredients
- **For the Shrimp:**
- – 1 lb wild-caught shrimp peeled and deveined
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – 1 tsp smoked paprika
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1 tsp chili powder
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 1 tsp lime zest
- – 2 tbsp lime juice
- – 2 tbsp honey
- – ½ bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- **For the Creamy Slaw:**
- – 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- – ½ bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- – ½ cup Greek yogurt
- – 2 tbsp lime juice
- **Additional:**
- – 8 small tortillas corn or flour
- – 1 avocado sliced
- – Lime wedges
Instructions
- Mix shrimp marinade ingredients in a bowl. Toss shrimp in marinade. Let sit while prepping slaw.
- In a bowl, mix cabbage, cilantro, yogurt, and lime juice for slaw. Chill in fridge.
- Heat butter in a skillet. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp, slaw, avocado, and lime juice.
Notes
– Add hot sauce or cheese if desired.
Conclusion
These Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen—without the fuss. Fresh, tangy, and delicious, they’re a must-make for taco night.