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Quick Loaded Shrimp Tacos Recipe with Cream Cheese Slaw

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A quick and easy shrimp taco recipe featuring spicy shrimp and a creamy, tangy cream cheese slaw. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering big flavor with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium peeled and deveined shrimp (frozen works well; thaw before cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing shrimp)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed before serving
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, hot sauce, or crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw by placing them in a colander under cold running water for 5–7 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mix evenly and stir to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese with a fork until smooth. Add shredded cabbage, grated carrot, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño (if using). Toss until cabbage is coated in the creamy lime dressing. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  5. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven (250°F) for 10 minutes.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing a generous scoop of cream cheese slaw on each tortilla, topping with several shrimp, and adding optional toppings like avocado slices or a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming. Soften cream cheese before mixing for a smooth slaw. Use fresh lime juice to brighten the slaw. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or low oven for best texture. Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne and jalapeño amounts.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, cream cheese slaw, quick dinner, easy tacos, spicy shrimp, weeknight meal, loaded tacos

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/quick-loaded-shrimp-tacos-recipe-with-cream-cheese-slaw-easy-and-delicious/