It's officially taco season and we are kicking things off with shrimp tacos with lime crema slaw. These soft tortilla tacos are topped with crispy and tender shrimp seasoned with cumin, paprika, and garlic, a delicious cabbage and cilantro slaw, and a sour cream and lime juice crema sauce. It's the perfect summer weeknight meal, ready on your table in less than 30 minutes. Backyard patio, these tacos are waiting for you!

Ingredients in Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw
If you love my fish tacos, then you will love these. Here is what you will need:
- shrimp - I used large white shrimp. Prepare the shrimp by peeling, deveining and removing the tails.
- seasoning for the shrimp - made with a combination of cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, lime juice, oil, and salt.
- lime crema slaw - made with a combination of shredded cabbage, cilantro, garlic, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt. For the cabbage, you can use regular cabbage or purple cabbage. I used both.
- soft taco tortillas - corn tortillas or wheat tortillas. Use corn tortillas if you want to keep this dish gluten-free.
- toppings - I topped these tacos with avocado. You could also top it with guacamole or pineapple salsa.
How to Make the Best Shrimp Tacos
- Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Toss to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Then, cook in a 350 F air fryer for 13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. See notes below on pan frying or grilling the shrimp instead.
- Make the lime crema slaw: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt. In a medium bowl, toss together cabbage, cilantro, and garlic. Pour in half the lime crema sauce into the slaw and toss to combine. Save the rest of the sauce to drizzle on top.
- Heat the soft tortillas: Heat the soft tortillas according to the package instructions, or heat in an ungreased skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. You can also heat it directly on a gas burner for a few seconds to get char marks on the edges.
- Assemble the tacos: Add a spoonful of slaw to each taco, top with 4 shrimp, sliced avocado, and drizzle a spoonful of sauce on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
FAQ and Tips for Making Shrimp Tacos
- Are these tacos spicy? The cayenne powder adds a little kick. Adjust it to your preferences. Leave it out if you want the shrimp mild, or add more to increase the intensity.
- How do I pan-fry the shrimp instead? Heat some oil a large skillet and over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are pink cooked through.
- Can I grill the shrimp instead? Absolutely. Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and place them on a grill over medium high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp and pink and cooked through.
- Are these gluten-free? Yes, if you are using corn tortillas.
- How to serve shrimp tacos. Serve with a side of homemade guacamole or pico de gallo salsa for extra dipping.
More Taco Recipes
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Recipe
Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 (6-inch) tacos
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy shrimp tacos with lime crema slaw are ready in less than 30 minutes and are packed with flavourful crispy shrimp and creamy cabbage slaw.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb. large white shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (approximately juice from ¼ lime)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder (or more or less, to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Lime Crema Slaw:
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tacos:
- 8 (6-inch) soft tacos
- 1 avocado, sliced
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Toss to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Then, cook in a 350 F air fryer for 13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. See notes for pan frying or grilling the shrimp instead.
- Make the lime crema slaw: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt. In a medium bowl, toss together cabbage, cilantro, and garlic. Pour in half the lime crema sauce into the slaw and toss to combine. Save the rest of the sauce to drizzle on top.
- Heat the soft tortillas: Heat the soft tortillas according to the package instructions, or heat in an ungreased skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. You can also heat it directly on a gas burner for a few seconds to get char marks on the edges.
- Assemble the tacos: Add a spoonful of slaw to each taco, top with 4 shrimp, sliced avocado, and drizzle a spoonful of sauce on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
How to pan-fry the shrimp. Heat some oil a large skillet and over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are pink cooked through.
How to grill the shrimp. Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and place them on a grill over medium high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp and pink and cooked through.
How to serve shrimp tacos. Serve with a side of homemade guacamole or pico de gallo salsa for extra dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Tacos
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: shrimp tacos, tacos, lime crema, mexican tacos, taco tuesday
Pyraxia says
So good! I have made this twice, so far. .Once as directed, and once I bought cooked shrimp and heated the shrimp on the stove. Both times were fantastic!
★★★★★
Amy says
Made this last night. It was super easy and so delicious!! Looking forward to leftovers for dinner tonight. I just found your website and I look forward to making more of your recipes. Thanks!!
★★★★★
Vickie D says
Can you make the slaw a day in advance?
Karen says
OMG!! Fabulous! Will definitely make these again.
I doubled the crema sauce cuz I like my coleslaw creamy:) and needed extra for the drizzle on top!! My 16 year old grandson loved them!! Hard to please him, lol.
★★★★★
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
That is amazing! So happy the recipe was a hit in your home!