Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
3 green onions, chopped
1 bunch cilantro leaves (about ½ bunch finely chopped for sauce, plus extra for garnish)
3 garlic cloves
½ teaspoon salt
Juice of 2 to 3 limes (about 4 tablespoons total)
½ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
Water, as needed to thin the sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
1 pound (about 450 grams) peeled and deveined shrimp with tails removed (medium to large size recommended)
3 cups shredded green cabbage (thinly sliced)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional for slaw)
1 small avocado, sliced or smashed
8 small corn or flour tortillas
½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, can substitute with feta or omit)
Lime wedges for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
Instructions
1. Prepare the garlic cilantro lime sauce: In a food processor or blender, pulse oil, green onions, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, salt, lime juice, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until mostly smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency. Reserve some sauce for drizzling and toss some with shredded cabbage to make a creamy slaw.
2. Make the slaw: Combine shredded green cabbage, thinly sliced red onion (if using), sliced or smashed avocado, and the prepared sauce. Toss gently to coat well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss the shrimp in the spice mix until evenly coated.
4. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 5 to 8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until pink and cooked through with slight caramelization.
5. Warm the tortillas: Lightly warm tortillas over a gas flame, in a dry skillet, or in the oven to make them pliable and add a slight char if desired.
6. Assemble the tacos: On each tortilla, layer smashed avocado, slaw, cooked shrimp, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Drizzle with remaining garlic cilantro lime sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🦐 For best freshness and texture, peel and devein shrimp yourself; alternatively, use pre-peeled shrimp for convenience.
🔥 Grilling shrimp is a good alternative to skillet cooking, especially in warm weather—use a grill basket for easier handling.
🥑 Substitute parsley for cilantro if you dislike the flavor or omit herbs altogether.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Dairy-Free Option Available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 429-480 kcal
- Sugar: Varies based on toppings
- Sodium: Varies with seasoning
- Fat: Varies with ingredients
- Saturated Fat: Varies with dairy choice
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: None
- Carbohydrates: Varies with tortillas
- Fiber: Varies with vegetables
- Protein: Varies with shrimp
- Cholesterol: Varies with shrimp