Get ready to spice up your taco night with these saucy cumin-spiced shrimp tacos! Juicy shrimp are cooked in a smoky tomato sauce and served in warm flour tortillas, then topped with a zesty Sriracha cilantro slaw and crispy fried onions for an irresistible crunch. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss.
Each bite is a balance of savory, spicy and tangy flavors, with the cool slaw balancing the heat from the Sriracha. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual dinner, these tacos are sure to become a favorite. Serve with extra lime wedges for a bright finish!
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Recipe details
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry produce. Quarter the lime. Remove and discard ends of cilantro stems if necessary; roughly chop cilantro (stems and all!).
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp just begin to brown, 3-4 minutes. (They will finish cooking in step 4.)
- While shrimp cooks, in a medium bowl, combine shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, juice from half the lime, ¼ teaspoon sugar, salt, pepper and as much Sriracha as you like. Mix until well combined; set aside.
- Once shrimp begins to brown, add tomato paste and ¼ cup water to the pan; cook until shrimp is saucy and cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Turn off heat; stir in 1 tablespoon butter and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave until warm and pliable, about 30 seconds.
- Divide tortillas between plates; fill with shrimp, Sriracha slaw and crispy fried onions. Serve with remaining lime wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
For extra heat, add more Sriracha to the slaw or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp.
If you prefer a milder slaw, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely.
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for a slightly charred flavor instead of microwaving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as needed until chicken is cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store shrimp, slaw and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a skillet and assemble tacos just before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your crispy fried onions are gluten-free. Check labels on Sriracha and mayonnaise as well.




























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