Zesty Coconut Lime Shrimp
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Marinate Time: 15–30 minutes (optional for flavor boost)
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Total Time: 30–45 minutes
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Servings: 4 (makes 8 tacos)
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Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
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Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-Caribbean influence)
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Dish Type: Main course / Street food
Ingredients
For the Coconut Lime Shrimp:
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1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-off)
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1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
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Zest and juice of 1 lime
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (or cayenne, to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mango Slaw:
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1 cup shredded red cabbage
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1 cup shredded green cabbage
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1 ripe mango, julienned or thinly sliced
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1 small carrot, shredded
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
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8 small corn or flour tortillas
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1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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Optional: Avocado slices, jalapeño rings, hot sauce, extra cilantro
Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, lime zest and juice, garlic, chili flakes, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and stir well to coat.
Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15–30 minutes in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs!
2. Prepare the Mango Slaw
While the shrimp is marinating, mix all the slaw ingredients in a large bowl:
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Shredded cabbages
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Mango
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Carrot
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Red onion
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Cilantro
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well to combine. Set aside or chill until serving.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade (discard excess liquid) and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and lightly caramelized.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed for even browning.
4. Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until slightly charred and pliable. Keep them warm in a clean towel.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Spread a dollop of lime sour cream (mix sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt) on each tortilla. Add:
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3–4 shrimp per taco
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A generous heap of mango slaw
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Optional extras: avocado, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or hot sauce
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with coconut rice or grilled corn on the cob for a full tropical meal.
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Serve with a cold margarita, pineapple mojito, or sparkling lime water.
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Add a side of plantain chips or black bean salad for extra flair.
Tips & Tricks
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Make it dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of sour cream.
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Add crunch: Toss in roasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
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Use pre-cooked shrimp? Skip marinating — just sauté them briefly in the coconut-lime sauce.
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No mango? Substitute with pineapple, green apple, or even shredded jicama for a refreshing crunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per 2-Taco Serving)
Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
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Calories | 390–420 kcal |
Protein | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Sugars | 9g |
Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sodium | 480mg |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Based on corn tortillas, light sour cream, and medium shrimp.