Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos {With Tangy Slaw}

Name: Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lime (zested); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 garlic clove (grated); ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 to 6 wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 10 minutes); Avocado oil or canola oil (as needed, for grill grates); 3 cups finely shredded purple cabbage; 1 lime (juiced); ½ mango (julienned); ½ jalapeño (diced); 2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 corn tortillas; 1 avocado (sliced)

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Get ready to redefine your taco night with these Grilled Shrimp Tacos featuring a tangy, crunchy slaw. Smoky, grilled shrimp meets the bright, zesty flavors of the slaw – a delicious combination that will have everyone saying, “So good!”.

3 grilled shrimp tacos on a plate with sliced avocados, fresh slaw, and lime wedges with a small place of extra grilled shrimp skewers nearby.

Why you’ll love these Mexican-Inspired shrimp tacos
Ingredients to make grilled shrimp tacos
How to make grilled shrimp tacos
Tips for making the best grilled shrimp tacos with slaw
Popular substitutions & additions
What to serve with grilled cilantro lime shrimp tacos
How to store & reheat grilled shrimp tacos
Frequently asked questions
More shrimp recipes:
Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These grilled cilantro lime shrimp tacos are everything taco dreams are made of. The tacos are packed with shrimp that are marinated in a simple but flavorful mix of lime, chili powder, and cumin before hitting the grill.

But what’s a taco without a slaw? The slaw is a mix of fresh, crunchy purple cabbage, mango, jalapeño, and cilantro. It’s bright and tangy and gives that lovely crunch in every bite. It’s a super easy, quick, and, most importantly, delicious meal you’re gonna love. Ready to make some tacos? Let’s dive into the details.

Why you’ll love these Mexican-Inspired shrimp tacos

Easy to make. These tacos are a breeze to make, with minimal cooking time and simple ingredients you can readily find in any grocery store. Just marinate the shrimp, prep the slaw, and grill to tender perfection. It’s a stress-free and tasty option when hunger strikes.
Bursting with flavor. The combination of citrusy lime, tropical mango, crunchy cabbage, and tender and juicy shrimp – wrapped in a chewy tortilla is a perfect choice for a summer meal or whenever you’re craving a bright and fresh dish.
Versatile serving options. Shrimp tacos are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast, but they’re also great for entertaining friends and family on the weekend. Set up a taco bar with various toppings, and allow your guests to build their own tacos to their liking.
Flexible and Adaptable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or change the ingredients according to your preference. Want more heat? Add extra jalapeño. Prefer a different protein? Swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients to make grilled shrimp tacos

Shrimp: When buying shrimp, look for large raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined with tails removed.
Lime: The zest will go into the shrimp marinade, while the lime juice will bring a pop of bright flavors to the slaw.
Olive oil: Helps to coat the shrimp, keeping them moist during grilling. It also allows the seasonings to stick to the shrimp better.
Seasonings: A simple blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and salt adds depth and enhances the flavor profile of the cooked shrimp.
Purple cabbage: The main ingredient in the tangy slaw adds a vibrant and crunchy texture to the tacos. The purple cabbage, also known as red cabbage, brings in a mild sweetness and slightly peppery flavor that complements the shrimp well.
Mango: Adds a juicy sweetness and tropical flair to the tacos. Its bright and fruity taste pairs wonderfully with the shrimp, creating a refreshing contrast.
Jalapeno: This pepper adds a spicy kick to the slaw, balancing the sweet and smoky flavors in the tacos. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Fresh cilantro: Cilantro brings a fresh and herbaceous element to the tacos. Its bright flavor goes perfectly with the rest of the ingredients, and the pop of color is visually appealing.
Corn tortillas: These yield the most authentic and deeply flavored tacos. Corn tortillas are excellent as they have a distinct flavor and chewy texture that pairs well with shrimp.
Avocado: Slices of avocado add creaminess and richness to the tacos. Its smooth texture and mild buttery taste complement the crunchy slaw. It’s a perfect finisher to grilled shrimp tacos with slaw.

Ingredients for recipe: garlic, salt, jalapeño, avocado, corn shells, head of red cabbage, mango, cilantro, oil, spices, raw shrimp, and lime.

How to make grilled shrimp tacos

Marinate the shrimp to infuse delicious flavors, then grill them to perfection. Tuck the grilled shrimp into warm tortillas and top with the zesty slaw. Finish with avocado and a garnish of fresh cilantro for an easy and wholesome meal.

Make the slaw

Add shredded cabbage, julienned mango, diced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro to a large bowl.
Toss with lime juice and salt. Cover and refrigerate.

2 image collage of slaw in a bowl before and after tossing together.

Prepare the shrimp for grilling

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and transfer to a medium bowl.
Add olive oil, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
Toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate the shrimp to allow the flavors to meld.
Once the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto the prepared skewers.

4 image collage preparing shrimp: 1- patting dry in a bowl, 2- adding seasoning on top, 3- after coating in seasoning, 4- placing a shrimp on a wooden skewer with more already on it.

How to grill shrimp for tacos

Add skewered shrimp to a preheated grill and cook with the lid open.
Flip the shrimp and cook the other side until cooked through.

2 image collage of shrimp skewers on a grill before and after flipping.

how to assemble the tacos

Warm tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side. To serve, place 3 shrimp into each tortilla and top with a generous amount of slaw. Garnish with avocado slices and serve.

Grilled shrimp taco in a corn shell with a purple cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Tips for making the best grilled shrimp tacos with slaw

Skewer the shrimp. Skewering shrimp makes them easier to handle on the grill and eliminates the need to flip individual shrimp. It also reduces the risk of them falling through the grates and ensures even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them first in water for about 10 minutes to help prevent them from burning or splintering during threading.
Zest first, then juice the lime. It’s nearly impossible to zest a lime after it has been squeezed, so do that step first.
If using a grill pan: grease lightly with a high-heat oil like avocado or canola oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking. Preheat for a few minutes over medium heat, then add the shrimp.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Depending on the size of the shrimp, time may vary slightly, but shrimp, like most seafood, cooks fast. So keep your eye on it, and as soon as it’s opaque pink, take it off the heat.

Popular substitutions & additions

Have fun with toppings. You can dress these shrimp tacos up however you want. A little cotija cheese adds a wonderfully savory and salty flavor. Or try a light drizzle of cilantro yogurt sauce. You can also spice it up with pickled onions, corn salsa, or pico de gallo.
Use lettuce wraps. Instead of traditional corn or flour tortillas, use lettuce wraps as a refreshing and crunchy base for your tacos. Be sure to use lettuce variety with a large surface area, such as butter lettuce (Bibb) or red or green leaf lettuce.
Swap red cabbage for green. Both of these cabbage varieties will work in this recipe, but green cabbage has a milder and slightly sweeter taste than red cabbage. But feel free to experiment and use whichever variety you prefer or have on hand.
Opt for pre-shredded cabbage. Pre-shredded cabbage can be a convenient option when you’re short on time or don’t want to go through the hassle of shredding a whole head of cabbage. It allows you to assemble your grilled shrimp tacos quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice on busy days.

What to serve with grilled cilantro lime shrimp tacos

How to store & reheat grilled shrimp tacos

If you have any leftover grilled shrimp tacos, it’s best to store all the components separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. Store shrimp and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge.

To reheat shrimp, gently reheat in a small frying pan over medium heat until warmed through. Or pop them in your microwave for a few short bursts.

How long will grilled shrimp tacos last in the fridge?

When properly stored separately, these grilled shrimp tacos will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can i freeze Mexican shrimp tacos?

You can freeze shrimp and tortillas separately, but slaw is best served fresh. It’s also important to remember that freezing and thawing will affect the texture and taste of the shrimp, so they’re best enjoyed freshly made.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make shrimp tacos ahead of time for a party or gathering?

Yes! This is an excellent recipe for entertaining. Prepare all the toppings in advance and have them ready for assembly when needed. I recommend cooking the shrimp just before serving for the best flavor and texture. Then when ready to serve, make a lineup of tortillas, slaw, and avocado, and let your guests build their own tacos.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn opaque with a pinkish hue and firm to the touch with a slight bounce. Another visual cue is the shape of the shrimp. When cooked, the shrimp will naturally curl into a C-shape. This may be harder to spot when the shrimp is skewered, but you’ll still be able to notice the change in shape.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp, so they take on the flavor of the marinade. Cooking the raw shrimp allows them to soak up the flavors and spices, resulting in a flavorful and delicious dish. If you season pre-cooked shrimp and then heat them, the texture will become rubbery and taste lackluster.

You will love these Mexican-inspired shrimp tacos. With each bite, there’s a satisfying and enjoyable explosion of flavors that is hard to resist. Plus, these grilled shrimp tacos make a perfect casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser on the weekend, so they are great any time of the week!

More shrimp recipes:

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Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love these Mexican-Inspired shrimp tacos

Ingredients to make grilled shrimp tacos