- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh cilantro
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, cotija cheese, jalapeños, hot sauce
Step 1: Season the ShrimpIn a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you like heat. Then, add lime juice and mix again.Let the shrimp sit for about 10 minutes while you prep everything else. However, don’t let them marinate much longer than that. Lime juice starts to “cook” shrimp if it sits too long—kind of like ceviche. Step 2: Make the SauceBlend or stir together the sour cream, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.That’s it.The sauce should taste bright and creamy with a little garlic kick. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Honestly, this sauce is dangerous. Before long, you’ll start putting it on everything—rice bowls, grilled chicken, and maybe even leftover fries. Step 3: Toss the SlawMix cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.Ideally, the slaw should feel light and crisp, not drowned in dressing. In many taco recipes, the slaw takes over. Here, however, it stays fresh so the shrimp remain the star. Step 4: Cook the ShrimpHeat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side. Then, flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the second side.The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. On the other hand, if they curl into a tight little “O,” they’re probably overcooked.It happens fast. Shrimp are dramatic like that. Step 5: Warm the TortillasDon’t skip this part.Plus, warm tortillas taste better, fold easier, and don’t crack apart the second you bite them.You can heat them in a dry skillet, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven, or char them lightly over a gas flame. That last option adds incredible flavor, especially with corn tortillas. Step 6: Assemble the TacosStart with a warm tortilla. Next, add the slaw, shrimp, creamy sauce, and toppings. Finally, finish with fresh lime juice.A little hot sauce works well too, especially if your household likes things spicy.Honestly, these tacos disappear fast. So, you may want to make extra shrimp.
