Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe

Equipment:

• Stainless steel mixing bowl
• Large skillet
• Food processor

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 8 tacos

Ingredients:

• Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce:
  • ¼ cup oil
  • ½ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Juice of two limes
  • ½ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup water (only use to thin the sauce if needed)
• Shrimp Taco Spice Mix:
  • 2 teaspoon each chilli powder and cumin
  • ½ teaspoon each onion powder and garlic powder 
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less for taste)
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• Shrimp Tacos:
  • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 2-3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 8 small tortillas (corn or flour is fine)
  • 2 avocados
  • ¼ cup cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauce:
   • Put all the ingredients together in a food processor
   • Blend until smooth
   • Add water if thin
2. Slaw:
   • Put some of the sauce (not all) onto the cabbage
   • Use the leftover sauce to put on top the tacos
3. Shrimp:
   • Pat the shrimp down with a paper towel
   • Put the shrimp in a bowl with spice mix
     • Mix until fully coated
   • Heat oil on a large skillet over medium heat
     • Add shrimp in and saute for 5-8 minutes
     • Flip occasionally until the shrimp is cooked
4. Assembly:
   • Add avocado, slaw, and shrimp together onto tortillas
   • Lastly, finish with cottage cheese, lime wedges, and extra sauce 

Some Questions that are Frequently Asked:

1. What if you don’t like cilantro? Are there any substitutes for cilantro?
   • You could always use parsley. You also don’t have to put cilantro at all.
2. How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
   • Put the sauce in a sealed container and it will last 3-4 days.
3. What if you can’t find cotija cheese? What should you use instead?
   • You could use feta cheese. The tacos taste good without cheese as well. 
4. Are there any shortcuts to make this recipe easier?
   • Use store-bought taco seasoning in place of dried spices
   • Buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined 
   • Use similar store bought sauce or use dressing for the slaw
5. Can I use seafood other than shrimp?
   • Yes, you can use cod filets, halibut, or mahi mahi 
6. What can you serve with shrimp tacos?
   • Elote Queso
   • Pitcher Style Margaritas for a crowd
   • Creamy avocado dip
   • Corn, avocado, and Quinoa Salad with Marinated Tomatoes
   • Classic Mexican Rice

Enjoy the recipe!

Freshman Anika Singhal is a Staff Writer. Her email is asingha1@fanmd.edu.