Baja Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce

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Spicy Baja shrimp tacos with creamy cilantro lime sauce topped with a zesty, crunchy slaw are bright, bold and built for delicious, lazy summertime get togethers! 

The shrimp spice blend brings smoky, savory heat that perfectly complements the creamy, citrusy slaw.  Each bite packs a punch of flavor, crunch, and creamy, spicy tang.

The Cilantro Lime Sauce is creamy, zesty, and herby. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything from grilled veggies to your favorite hot dogs—or eat by the spoonful when no one’s looking. 

Whether you’re planning a laid-back taco Tuesday or looking for the perfect warm-weather weekend dinner, this easy shrimp tacos recipe rivals the best beachside restaurant shrimp taco you’ve ever eaten…any day of the week! 

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce

• Fresh, Zesty Flavors – The tangy lime and fresh cilantro sauce brightens ever bite…it’s addictive!
• Crispy, Crunchy Cabbage-jalapeno slaw mix is the perfect balance to the smokey spiced shrimp.
• Quick & Easy to Make – start to finish, this recipe can be ready in under 45 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Perfect Make-Ahead meal – season the shrimp and make the slaw a day ahead for easy, casual weekend dinners with friends. 
• Customizable Toppings – Pile on your favorite cheese, salsa, guacamole, queso, red onions, or extra lime—make each taco yours!
• Healthy-ish & Satisfying – loaded with fresh ingredients, Packed with protein and super delicious.

Compete List of Easy Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup avocado oil, vegetable or olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 3/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup of mayo
• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 thin sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced jalapenos
• 1 tsp of chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder
• 1 tsp onion powder, garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1# fresh raw shrimp or frozen shrimp
• corn tortillas and/or flour tortillas

How to Make Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Tacos 

Step 1: Make Creamy Sauce 

Cilantro Lime Crema Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup avocado oil, vegetable or olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup mayo

Instructions:

1. Chop green onions, strip cilantro leaves from thick main cilantro steams, skin and mince or crush garlic cloves, then cut the 2 limes in half.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine mayo, sour cream, oil, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, cumin and juice of 2 limes. 
3. Blend until smooth (can be a little lumpy).
4. Taste and adjust for seasoning—more lime for tang, more salt for depth. Transfer to a small bowl, cover and refrigerate.  

Step 2: Cabbage Slaw Mix

Slaw Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage, a combination of both green and red cabbage, or a store bought packaged cabbage slaw mix
• 1/2 thin-sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced jalapeños (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 cup of Cilantro Lime Sauce

Instructions:

1. For easy slicing, use a mandoline slicer for cabbage, red onion, and jalapeno. 
2. Toss all the veggies in a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of cilantro lime sauce, and mix very well. Chill while you prep the shrimp.

Step 3: Shrimp Prep

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp each: chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder
• 1 tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb. fresh raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (or thawed frozen shrimp)

Instructions:

1. Blot the shrimp with a paper towel to eliminate excessive moisture. 
2. Toss the shrimp with all the spices until evenly coated. 
3. Heat a large skillet with a little oil over medium high heat. 
4. Sauté the shrimp in a single layer until pink and just cooked through—about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcook!

Step 4: Corn Tortilla Prep

Ingredients

• 6-8 corn tortillas (flour tortillas can also be used or a combination of both)
• cooking spray oil

Instructions:

1. Grill tortillas: lightly grill or pan fry each tortilla spraying cooking spray on both sides until soft and pliable. 
2. Warm tortillas: warm tortillas wrapped in a paper towel in the microwave or heat in oven with tortillas wrapped in foil.

Step 5: Taco Assembly

What you’ll need:

• Warm corn tortillas
• Cooked seasoned shrimp
• Cilantro lime slaw
• Cheese: cotija cheese, feta, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced ripe avocado
• Lime wedges
• Extra sliced red onions
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Assembly Tips:

• Start with a smear of extra cilantro lime sauce on the warm tortilla.
• Pile on the shrimp.
• Add a generous spoonful of slaw.
• Top with cheese, avocado slices, onions, and cilantro.
• Finish with a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and a fresh squeeze of lime for an extra spicy citrusy kick
• Note: above assembly order is not required to ensure a delicious shrimp taco experience!

Recipe Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of black beans, a cold cerveza or sparkling water with lime, and let the compliments roll in.

Not in the mood for a taco…toss everything in a bowl for a killer shrimp taco salad.

Roll it all up and eat it like a burrito.

Must Have Kitchen Gadgets

Handheld Mandoline Slicer

Citrus Juicer

Taco Holders

Mini Food Processor

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