Zesty Sriracha Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw Recipe

Crafting delectable spicy shrimp tacos with sriracha slaw brings a zesty adventure to your dinner table.

Vibrant flavors dance across tender seafood and crisp cabbage, creating a meal that sparks excitement.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this quick and mouthwatering dish.

Bright colors and bold seasonings promise a culinary journey that delights the senses.

Minimal preparation time means you can whip up these tacos faster than ordering takeout.

Fresh ingredients and a punchy sriracha slaw guarantee a memorable meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Let’s unlock the secret to making these irresistible tacos that will become your new go-to recipe.

Reasons to Love These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

• Burst with Explosive Flavors: Packed with a vibrant combination of spicy shrimp, zesty cilantro lime slaw, and creamy Sriracha sauce that dances on your taste buds.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Easily adjust the heat level by controlling Sriracha quantity, making it perfect for everyone from mild to wild spice lovers.
• Quick and Simple Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together rapidly, giving you a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or extensive prep.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Option: Versatile recipe that appeals to seafood lovers, taco enthusiasts, and anyone craving a bold, fresh meal that's sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the main protein for these delicious tacos.

• Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that creates a bold and zesty flavor profile for the shrimp.

• Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Lime Juice: Creamy and tangy sauce ingredients that combine to make a spicy and rich condiment.

• Coleslaw Mix, Cilantro, Red Onion: Fresh and crunchy base for the slaw that adds texture and bright flavors.

• Tortillas, Extra Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Essential components for serving and garnishing the tacos with additional freshness and zest.

How to Cook Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Step 1: Marinate The Shrimp

• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat the shrimp completely and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb all the spicy goodness.

Step 2: Whip Up Sriracha Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha sauce
• Lime juice

Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust Sriracha for your preferred heat level.

Step 3: Create Zesty Slaw

• Coleslaw mix
• Fresh cilantro
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss everything until well combined and evenly coated.

Step 4: Sizzle The Shrimp

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

• Spicy shrimp
• Cilantro lime slaw
• Creamy Sriracha sauce

Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Step 6: Dive Into Flavor

Serve hot and savor the explosive combination of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Pair with a cold beverage for the ultimate taco experience.

Helpful Tips for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

• Manage Shrimp Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and chili powder to match your personal heat tolerance, ensuring the dish remains enjoyable without overwhelming spiciness.
• Optimize Sauce Consistency: Thin out Sriracha mayo with a splash of water or lime juice if the sauce feels too thick, creating a smoother drizzling texture.
• Prevent Slaw Sogginess: Prepare slaw just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent wilting from early mixing.
• Select Shrimp Quality: Choose fresh, wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and sustainable seafood sourcing when possible.
• Enhance Taco Warmth: Wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and microwave briefly to keep them soft and pliable during serving.

Flavorful Twists on Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

• Vegetarian Taco Transformation: Replace shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes, seasoned with the same spice blend for a plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Swap Option: Use blackened fish like tilapia or cod instead of shrimp, maintaining the original spice profile and sauce for a different protein experience.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas and ensure all spices and sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Ditch the tortillas completely and serve the spicy shrimp, slaw, and sauce inside large butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.

Best Pairings for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager for Balanced Heat: A crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona cuts through the spicy shrimp and cools the sriracha sauce's intense flavor, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's bold spices.
• Complement with Fresh Margarita Cocktail: A classic lime margarita enhances the cilantro and lime elements in the slaw, while its tequila base and citrus notes harmonize perfectly with the spicy shrimp's robust seasonings.
• Match with Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: This bright, acidic white wine offers a light and crisp backdrop that elevates the taco's complex flavors, with its herbal undertones complementing the cilantro and cutting through the creamy sriracha sauce.

Storing Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw the Right Way

• Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate slaw, sauce, and shrimp to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual components separately in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Freeze shrimp and sauce for up to 1 month, but avoid freezing slaw as it will become watery and lose texture.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, use a microwave with 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid rubbery texture.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw Questions, Answered

• Are the spices too hot for kids?

You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or eliminating cayenne pepper. Use mild chili powder and less smoked paprika for a kid-friendly version.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating. Make sure to drain excess water to help shrimp get a nice char when cooking.

• What if I don't have Sriracha?

Replace with hot sauce like Tabasco or mix some chili garlic sauce with mayonnaise. The goal is a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that complements the shrimp.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour to make it gluten-free. Check that your spices and hot sauce are also gluten-free certified.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Sriracha Slaw Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fiery Mexican-inspired spicy shrimp tacos with sriracha slaw bring zesty coastal flavors to your dinner table. Quick and easy weeknight meals get a delicious upgrade with this crispy, spicy seafood sensation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauce and Slaw Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2–3 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 cups coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Serving Components:

• 6–8 small tortillas
• Lime wedges
• Additional cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl, ensuring thorough coating. Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling spices to penetrate and enhance flavor profile.
2. Prepare creamy Sriracha sauce by blending mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust Sriracha quantity for desired heat intensity. Set aside until taco assembly.
3. Create cilantro lime slaw by combining coleslaw mix, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss ingredients until evenly distributed and coated.
4. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Carefully place marinated shrimp on cooking surface, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Ensure even cooking and caramelization.
5. Warm tortillas using skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Layer each tortilla with cooked spicy shrimp, top generously with cilantro lime slaw, and drizzle creamy Sriracha sauce. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro.
6. Serve immediately with lime wedges, presenting hot tacos that showcase vibrant flavors and textures. Recommend pairing with a chilled beverage for optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let shrimp absorb spices for maximum flavor intensity, ensuring each bite delivers a punch of zesty seasoning.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust Sriracha sauce by adding more or less to match personal spice tolerance without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Chop ingredients and mix slaw in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish’s vibrant profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg