About This Recipe

Grilled shrimp tacos are the summer dinner that checks every box — fast, light, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Shrimp marinated in smoky chili spices and grilled until perfectly charred, tucked into warm corn tortillas with a creamy chipotle slaw and fresh avocado. The whole thing comes together in 25 minutes and tastes like something from a beachside taco stand.

Nutrition estimates based on USDA FoodData Central. Values are per serving and may vary.

Why You'll Love It

  • 25 minutes from start to finish — faster than any takeout
  • Grilled shrimp taste incredible in corn tortillas with spicy slaw
  • Light, fresh, and packed with flavor — perfect summer dinner
  • Naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Slaw

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Slaw
15 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
4
Servings
⭐ 4.8
Rating
380
Calories

Ingredients

  • 500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp chipotle sauce (from can)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. 1Marinate the shrimp Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate 10 minutes — ...
  2. 2Make chipotle slaw Combine shredded cabbage with mayo, chipotle sauce, and lime juice. Toss well and taste for seasoning. The slaw should b...
  3. 3Grill the shrimp Heat grill or grill pan to high. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side — they curl and turn pink-opaque when done. Don't over...
  4. 4Warm the tortillas Char corn tortillas directly over a gas flame for 20 seconds per side, or heat in a dry skillet until soft and pliable....
  5. 5Build and serve Layer slaw in each tortilla, add 3–4 shrimp, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediat...

Ingredients

500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper 8 small corn tortillas, warmed 2 cups shredded purple cabbage 3 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tbsp chipotle sauce (from can) 1 tbsp lime juice 1 avocado, sliced Fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate the shrimp

    Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate 10 minutes — no longer or the lime acid will start cooking the shrimp.

  2. 2

    Make chipotle slaw

    Combine shredded cabbage with mayo, chipotle sauce, and lime juice. Toss well and taste for seasoning. The slaw should be spicy, tangy, and creamy.

  3. 3

    Grill the shrimp

    Heat grill or grill pan to high. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side — they curl and turn pink-opaque when done. Don't overcook; they go rubbery fast.

  4. 4

    Warm the tortillas

    Char corn tortillas directly over a gas flame for 20 seconds per side, or heat in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.

  5. 5

    Build and serve

    Layer slaw in each tortilla, add 3–4 shrimp, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

🏆 Chef Tips
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before marinating — moisture prevents char marks.
  • Don't overcook shrimp — 2–3 minutes per side max. They become rubbery fast.
  • Make the slaw at least 10 minutes before serving so the cabbage softens slightly.
  • Double corn tortillas per taco prevent tearing under the weight of the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — thaw completely in cold water, pat very dry, then marinate and cook as directed. Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh for tacos.
Hot sauce + a tiny bit of smoked paprika and adobo seasoning works. Or use sriracha mixed with mayo for a different heat profile.
Absolutely — a very hot cast iron skillet gives excellent results. Add shrimp in a single layer, don't move for 2 minutes, then flip.
Shrimp is very low in calories and high in protein. These tacos are around 380 calories each — quite light for a taco.

Nutrition Per Serving

380
Calories
28g
Protein
32g
Carbs
16g
Fat
5g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
610mg
Sodium
3g
Sat. Fat