15-Minute Shrimp Tacos

Featured in: Quick Everyday Dinners

This dish features tender shrimp seasoned with chili, paprika, and cumin, cooked quickly for a juicy bite. The bright cabbage slaw combines shredded green and red cabbage with red onion and cilantro, tossed in lime juice and olive oil. A creamy lime crema adds zest and smoothness, while warm tortillas hold it all together. Perfect for a fast, vibrant meal that balances smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:18:00 GMT
Freshly prepared 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw on vibrant tortillas.  Save
Freshly prepared 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw on vibrant tortillas. | tastlis.com

Fresh, zesty shrimp tacos topped with a crisp cabbage slaw and a tangy lime crema—perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

I first served this to my family on a warm evening and everyone loved the balance of tangy lime and smoky spices.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp peeled and deveined 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Cabbage Slaw: 2 cups (150 g) shredded green cabbage 1 cup (75 g) shredded red cabbage 1/4 cup (30 g) finely sliced red onion 1/4 cup (5 g) chopped fresh cilantro 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp salt
  • Lime Crema: 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 tsp lime zest Pinch of salt
  • To Serve: 8 small corn or flour tortillas Lime wedges Extra cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Shrimp:
In a bowl toss shrimp with olive oil chili powder smoked paprika cumin garlic powder salt and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque Remove from heat.
Make Slaw:
Combine green and red cabbage red onion cilantro lime juice olive oil and salt in a large bowl Toss until well mixed.
Make Lime Crema:
Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt lime juice lime zest and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Warm Tortillas:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Assemble Tacos:
Spread a spoonful of lime crema on each tortilla Top with cabbage slaw shrimp and extra cilantro if desired Serve with lime wedges.
Juicy shrimp nestled in 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos, enhanced by colorful cabbage slaw.  Save
Juicy shrimp nestled in 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos, enhanced by colorful cabbage slaw. | tastlis.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table for a fun and delicious meal.

Notes

For extra heat add sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the slaw or crema. Allergen info: Contains shellfish and dairy. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free but check for cross-contamination.

Required Tools

Large skillet Mixing bowls Tongs Chefs knife Cutting board

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 tacos): Calories 340 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 22 g

Zesty 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos, showcasing creamy lime crema and crunchy slaw toppings. Save
Zesty 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos, showcasing creamy lime crema and crunchy slaw toppings. | tastlis.com

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings and always impresses guests.

Recipe FAQs

How long should the shrimp be cooked?

Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque to ensure tenderness.

What can I use instead of shrimp?

Grilled fish or tofu make excellent alternatives for different protein preferences.

Can I add heat to the dish?

Yes, add sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the slaw or lime crema for extra spice.

How do I make the cabbage slaw crisp and fresh?

Use fresh shredded green and red cabbage mixed with red onion and cilantro, then dress with lime juice and olive oil just before serving.

What type of tortillas works best?

Small corn or flour tortillas warmed until pliable complement the dish nicely.

15-Minute Shrimp Tacos

Fresh shrimp paired with crisp cabbage slaw and tangy lime crema for a fast meal.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
5 min
Overall Time
15 min
Author Lena Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details None specified

What You'll Need

Shrimp

01 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp chili powder
04 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 1/4 tsp garlic powder
07 1/4 tsp salt
08 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cabbage Slaw

01 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 1 cup shredded red cabbage
03 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion
04 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
05 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
06 1 tbsp olive oil
07 1/2 tsp salt

Lime Crema

01 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
02 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
03 1/2 tsp lime zest
04 Pinch of salt

To Serve

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas
02 Lime wedges
03 Extra cilantro (optional)

Directions

Instruction 01

Season shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated.

Instruction 02

Cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.

Instruction 03

Prepare cabbage slaw: In a large bowl, mix green and red cabbage, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss thoroughly to combine.

Instruction 04

Make lime crema: Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Instruction 05

Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible and warm.

Instruction 06

Assemble tacos: Spread lime crema on each tortilla. Top with cabbage slaw, cooked shrimp, and additional cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Notes

Review each component for possible allergens. If you aren't sure, ask a health pro.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy
  • Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; verify packaging for cross-contamination

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutrition data is just for your information—always check with a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 22 g