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Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos – Easy Shrimp Recipes for Fresh Flavor

Shrimp tacos have always had a way of turning an average Tuesday into a tiny celebration. I love this cilantro lime shrimp taco recipe because it doesn’t demand perfection. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s forgiving—even if you accidentally char the shrimp a little. That zesty marinade made with lime juice, garlic, and a big handful of fresh cilantro? It makes the shrimp taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did. There’s also something magical about that contrast of warm, spiced shrimp tucked into a soft tortilla, topped with a cool, crunchy slaw. I’ve made these for dinner guests, for lazy summer lunches, and yes, sometimes just because I wanted an excuse to eat tacos while standing over the kitchen sink. If you’re hunting for quick and easy recipes, especially ones that work for easy lunch recipes or healthy and easy recipes that actually taste good, this one checks every box. You can even toss the shrimp in the air fryer if you're feeling modern and rebellious. Either way, they hit the spot every time.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Wrap
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: air fryer easy recipes, easy grilled chicken recipes, easy lunch recipes, easy recipes for dinner, easy shrimp recipes, healthy and easy recipes, quick and easy recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or red)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (for slaw)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Optional: sliced avocado, jalapeño, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, zest, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Toss in the shrimp and coat well. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.
  3. In another bowl, mix cabbage with sour cream, mayo, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to make the slaw.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  5. Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned.
  6. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  7. Assemble: place slaw on the tortilla, top with shrimp, cilantro, and optional toppings.
  8. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.