Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor? I know I am! These Shrimp Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for quick family dinners, they come together in just about 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy evenings. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to impress your family or guests at a classy outdoor dinner party!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Fresh and vibrant flavors that will brighten up any meal.
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Great for entertaining, whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal sit-down dinner.
Ingredients
To make these delightful shrimp tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
- Small corn tortillas
- Extra lime wedges
- Optional: avocado slices or hot sauce
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your shrimp tacos:
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften.
- In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt to make the lime crema.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble your tacos by placing a tortilla on a plate, adding a generous scoop of slaw, followed by the shrimp, a drizzle of lime crema, and any extras you desire!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your shrimp tacos turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your shrimp are fresh and properly deveined for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- Feel free to customize the slaw with other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added crunch.
- If you’re looking for a spicy kick, add some hot sauce or jalapeños to your tacos!
- These tacos are also great for meal prep; just store the components separately until you’re ready to eat.
How to Serve
These shrimp tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or a more festive occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a refreshing margarita or a light beer for a fun twist.
- Serve with extra lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce on the side.
- For a complete meal, consider adding a side of creamy garlic pasta or a fresh salad.
- These tacos also make great weeknight dinner ideas for busy families!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these shrimp tacos in advance, here are some tips:
- The shrimp can be marinated a few hours ahead of time for extra flavor.
- Store the slaw and lime crema in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Warm the tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
- These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day or two.
So there you have it! A delicious recipe for Shrimp Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a classy outdoor dinner party or just looking for quick family dinners, these tacos are a fantastic choice. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, don’t forget to check out my Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake or Chocolate Raspberry Cake for dessert! Happy cooking!

Shrimp Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema
Ingredients
Method
- Toss shrimp with oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Mix slaw ingredients and let sit to soften.
- Stir together crema ingredients.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with slaw, shrimp, crema, and extras.