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.