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Best Shrimp Tacos Recipe (Better Than Any Restaurant!)

These easy shrimp tacos are loaded with juicy shrimp tossed in a buttery honey lime sauce, topped with a creamy cilantro lime slaw, and served in toasted tortillas. Ready in just 30 minutes, they're fresh, flavorful, and the perfect summer dinner that tastes even better than restaurant shrimp tacos.
Servings 4
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw

  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

  • 8 tortillas (flour or corn)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting tortillas)
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Slaw

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, salt, pepper, and diced red onion.
  • Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Making the slaw ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and makes taco assembly even easier.

Season and Cook the Shrimp

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the shrimp along with the salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Toss everything together so the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning blend.
  • Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

Make the Honey Lime Butter Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Add the butter, lime juice, and honey to the skillet. Stir gently and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will slightly thicken and coat the shrimp beautifully.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.

Toast the Tortillas

  • While the shrimp finish cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and toast the tortillas for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned, slightly crispy, and firm enough to hold their shape.

Assemble the Tacos

  • Fill each tortilla with 3-4 shrimp.
  • Top with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw and finish with slices of fresh avocado.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican