Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw: 7 Tasty Steps!

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw! They’re not just a meal; they’re a celebration on a plate! Picture this: perfectly grilled shrimp, juicy and bursting with flavor, nestled in warm corn tortillas and topped with a refreshing, crunchy cabbage slaw. Every bite is a little fiesta! I remember the first time I made these for friends during a backyard barbecue; the laughter and compliments just kept flowing. The best part? They’re quick to whip up, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be dreaming of them long after the last taco is gone!

grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw - detail 1

Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Gathering fresh ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to grab everything fresh! Trust me, it makes all the difference in flavor and crunch.

How to Prepare Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Alright, let’s get those tacos sizzling! Here’s the step-by-step guide to making your grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw. I promise it’s super straightforward, and you’ll be enjoying these beauties in no time!

First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for that perfect sear on the shrimp!
While the grill heats up, grab a mixing bowl and toss the shrimp with the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is coated evenly—this is where the flavor kicks in!
Now, it’s time to grill! Place the shrimp on the hot grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery!
While the shrimp are grilling, take another bowl and combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss to mix everything together. This slaw will add a refreshing crunch to your tacos!
Next, warm those corn tortillas! Just place them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable. Nothing beats warm tortillas!
Now, let’s assemble! Grab a tortilla, pile on the grilled shrimp, and top it off with a generous scoop of that crunchy cabbage slaw. You can’t go wrong with a little extra lime juice squeezed on top, either!
Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

And there you have it! Simple steps to a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in about 25 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh shrimp and crunchy cabbage slaw brings vibrant flavors to your plate. You’ll love how everything tastes so bright and lively!
Flavor-Packed: Each taco is bursting with flavor from the seasoned shrimp and zesty slaw. Trust me, every bite will have you coming back for more!
Healthy Option: With lean protein from the shrimp and a rainbow of veggies in the slaw, these tacos are a guilt-free indulgence. They’re low-calorie and packed with nutrients!

Honestly, these tacos are a total game-changer. You’ll feel good about what you’re eating while still enjoying every delicious bite!

Tips for Success

Ready to take your grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw to the next level? Here are some of my favorite pro tips that’ll ensure you nail this recipe every time!

Get the Grill Hot: Preheating your grill to medium-high is key! A hot grill gives the shrimp those beautiful grill marks and keeps them juicy. If the grill isn’t hot enough, the shrimp might stick or cook unevenly.
Don’t Overdo the Seasoning: While I love a good kick, start with the recommended spices and adjust to your taste. You can always add more, but it’s tough to dial it back once it’s in!
Experiment with the Slaw: Feel free to mix up the slaw ingredients! Add some sliced radishes for an extra crunch or throw in a bit of diced jalapeño for a spicy twist. The slaw is super versatile!
Serve with Lime Wedges: Trust me on this one—having fresh lime wedges on the side makes a world of difference. Just a squeeze of lime over the tacos brightens the flavors and adds that extra zing!
Make It a Taco Bar: If you’re serving a crowd, lay out a taco bar! Offer different toppings like avocado, salsa, or queso fresco. Everyone can customize their tacos just the way they like them!

With these tips, you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!

Variations of Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Now, let’s get creative! One of the best things about grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw is how versatile they are. Here are some fun variations that’ll keep things exciting in your kitchen:

Swap the Protein: Not in the mood for shrimp? No problem! You can easily substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or flaky fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
Spicy Slaw: If you love a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slaw. It’ll give your tacos an extra kick that’s oh-so-delicious!
Fruit Addition: For a sweet twist, toss in some diced mango or pineapple to the slaw. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory shrimp and adds a tropical vibe to your tacos!
Herbed Slaw: Switch up the herbs! Instead of cilantro, try using fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor profile. It’ll give your slaw a unique taste that’s still refreshing.
Crunchy Toppings: Add some texture by throwing on sliced radishes, crispy fried onions, or even crushed tortilla chips for that perfect crunch in every bite!

These variations are all about making the dish yours! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combo. Cooking should be fun, and these tacos are just the beginning!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a batch of these scrumptious grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw, and now you’re wondering how to store the leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious for your next taco craving.

First things first, if you have any leftover grilled shrimp, it’s best to store them separately from the tortillas and slaw. You can place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up—this helps avoid excess moisture that can make them soggy.

For the cabbage slaw, keep it in another airtight container in the fridge. It should stay crisp for about 2-3 days, but I recommend consuming it sooner for the best crunch!

As for those corn tortillas, if they’re still warm, let them cool down at room temperature, then stack them and wrap them in foil or place them in a zip-top bag to keep them soft. They can last in the fridge for about a week, but I find that fresh tortillas are always the best!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that delightful texture. For the shrimp, you can quickly warm them up in a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes until they’re heated through. This way, they’ll retain their juicy goodness.

For the tortillas, I love popping them on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, just like when you first made them! They’ll get soft and warm, ready to embrace that delicious shrimp and slaw again. And remember, fresh slaw should be added right before serving to keep it crunchy and vibrant. Enjoy every bite of your taco goodness, even the second time around!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates:

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 600mg

These tacos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy guilt-free knowing you’re treating yourself to something that’s both tasty and good for you. Happy cooking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common inquiries I hear, along with tips to help you on your taco journey:

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. It’s best to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that perfect grill sear.

What other toppings can I add to my tacos?

The sky’s the limit! You can try adding avocado slices, salsa, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo for that extra kick. Fresh toppings really elevate the flavor!

Can I make the cabbage slaw ahead of time?

You sure can! Preparing the slaw a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the shrimp another way?

No worries! You can sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat or even bake them in the oven. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you’ll still get delicious results!

How can I make these tacos spicier?

If you like heat, try adding some diced jalapeños to the slaw or using a spicy seasoning blend on the shrimp. You could also serve them with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side. Bring on the heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these grilled shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw as I am to share them with you! Each bite is a burst of flavors and textures that I just can’t get enough of. I’d love to hear how your tacos turn out! Did you make any fun variations or tweaks? Please share your thoughts in the comments below—your feedback means the world to me!

If you enjoyed this recipe, consider rating it, too! It helps others find this delicious meal and adds a little sunshine to my day. Let’s keep the taco love going and inspire each other in the kitchen. Happy cooking, and may your tacos always be tasty!

For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, you can check out this article. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the nutritional value of cabbage, visit this resource.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.