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When I think of summer, my mind drifts to warm evenings spent enjoying the outdoors, laughter filling the air, and, of course, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked seafood. One of my favorite memories involves a casual gathering with friends, where we whipped up a batch of shrimp tacos topped with a vibrant slaw. The blend of zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh vegetables created a symphony of flavors that danced on our taste buds. This experience inspired me to create my own version of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage Slaw. These tacos are not just a meal; they are a celebration of summer, friendship, and all things delicious.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Experience the essence of summer with these Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, these tacos combine succulent shrimp marinated in vibrant lemon and garlic, accompanied by a refreshing slaw for added texture. This dish captures sun-kissed flavors and is easy to prepare. Follow along for tips on making the best tacos that will impress your family and friends while celebrating warmth and friendship!
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Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cabbage Slaw:

2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 medium carrot, grated

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 ripe lime

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for a vegan alternative)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving:

8 small corn or flour tortillas

Extra lemon wedges for serving

Sliced avocado (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them gently until they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

    Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes to develop the flavors.

      Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

        Warm the Tortillas: In a dry skillet or on a hot griddle, warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side or until they become soft and pliable.

          Assemble the Tacos: For each tortilla, add a generous spoonful of the cabbage slaw, followed by a portion of the garlic shrimp. Garnish each taco with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges on the side. For an added layer of flavor, include sliced avocado if desired.

            Serve and Enjoy: Serve these vibrant Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Crunchy Cabbage Slaw immediately, and indulge in the delightful blend of zesty, garlicky shrimp and fresh, crunchy slaw.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4