Shrimp Soft Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Buttery, garlicky, taco-seasoned shrimp, served in soft tortillas with creamy, fiery cole slaw (the cole slaw almost steals the show). This dish is fresh, spicy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Every bite of these scintillating tacos transports you straight to Mexico. It’s the spicy slaw that makes all the difference! It’s creamy, fiery, and crunchy, and the perfect partner for the plump shrimp.
About the shrimp. You can use any size shrimp for this recipe, so choose what’s on sale! I used frozen/thawed shrimp, and that saves money too! If you’re using smaller shrimp, keep an eye on the cooking time; they may cook in under 2 minutes. Shrimp are ready then they’re opaque and still plump.
You can used pre-cooked shrimp too. If you’d rather start with pre-cooked shrimp, simply reduce the cooking time – you’re basically just reheating them in the garlic butter! It’s that easy!
You can make these soft tacos with other proteins! Instead of shrimp, you can use cooked salmon, tuna, cod, chicken, steak, pork, and tofu!
Shrimp Soft Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Ingredients
For the Spicy Slaw
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cups shredded cole slaw mix
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Shrimp Soft Tacos
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined, defrosted if frozen
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, the powdered mix
- 8-12 street taco-size flour or corn tortillas, warmed if desired
- 1 avocado, pitted and diced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- To make the spicy slaw, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and lime juice. Fold in the slaw mix, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the butter is foamy. Add the garlic and taco seasoning and cook for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes, until opaque and cooked through.
- Serve the shrimp in the tortillas with the spicy slaw, avocado, and lime wedges on the side.