Go Back
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cabbage - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for garnish You can add a few extra items to really boost flavor. Consider using: - A dash of hot sauce for heat - Crumbled queso fresco for creaminess - Diced tomatoes for freshness - Pickled jalapeños for tang For the best flavor, choose quality ingredients. Here are my favorites: - Wild-caught shrimp for freshness - McCormick or Tony Chachere's for Cajun seasoning - Extra virgin olive oil for richness - Fresh produce from local markets for the best taste {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your shrimp and make sure they are peeled and deveined. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the shrimp are fully coated. This step is crucial for flavor. Set the shrimp aside for a few minutes to let the spices soak in. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque. This means they are ready. Remove the shrimp from heat and set aside. While the shrimp cook, warm the corn tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Now, it's time to build your tacos. Start with a generous amount of shredded cabbage on each tortilla. Next, add 2 to 3 shrimp on top. Then, place a few slices of avocado and a spoonful of pico de gallo. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything and squeeze some lime juice on top. Enjoy your tasty tacos! To season shrimp well, start with fresh shrimp. Use Cajun seasoning for bold flavor. Mix the seasoning with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the shrimp until coated. This helps the shrimp absorb all the tasty spices. Taste the shrimp after cooking. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, a little salt and pepper goes a long way. The skillet method works best for these tacos. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. This gives you perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp. You can also grill the shrimp, which adds a nice charred flavor. Avoid boiling, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Warming tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them soft. Use a dry skillet for this. Heat each tortilla for 15-20 seconds on each side. You can also use the microwave. Just wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. This method keeps them moist and pliable. Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Shrimp: Ensure that the shrimp are evenly coated with the Cajun seasoning mix for a burst of flavor in every bite. Fresh Tortillas: Use fresh corn tortillas for a more authentic taste and a better texture that holds the fillings well. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference, or omit it entirely for a milder taco. Garnish Wisely: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime enhance the flavors. Don't skip them for the best taco experience! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different seasonings. Try taco seasoning for a classic taste. Or use jerk seasoning for a spicy kick. You can also mix in lemon pepper for a zesty twist. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend! Toppings can make your tacos unique. Instead of cabbage, use shredded lettuce for crunch. Add diced tomatoes for freshness or pickled onions for tang. Crumbled feta cheese gives a salty bite. You can also try mango salsa for sweetness. The choices are endless! If you want a different protein, chicken works great. Just follow the same seasoning steps. Tofu is a good plant-based choice. Cook it until golden for extra flavor. You can also use fish like tilapia or cod. Just adjust the cooking time to keep it tender. Store leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have extra shrimp, store it separately from the tortillas and toppings. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. This method helps keep the shrimp tender. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts, checking often. Avoid overcooking, as this makes shrimp tough. If you want to freeze, only freeze the shrimp. Place it in a freezer bag. Remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. Shrimp can stay fresh for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. To make your Cajun shrimp tacos spicier, add more cayenne pepper. You can also mix in hot sauce. Try using a spicy salsa instead of pico de gallo. Fresh jalapeños or diced serrano peppers work well as toppings too. Adjust the heat to match your taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick better. Cajun shrimp tacos go great with various sides. Consider serving them with: - Black beans - Cilantro lime rice - Corn salad - Grilled vegetables These sides enhance the flavors and add variety to your meal. To make gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas. Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. Always check the label to ensure there are no added gluten ingredients. You can also serve the shrimp over a salad for a tasty, gluten-free option. Cajun shrimp tacos are simple and fun to make, as this post shows. You learned about the best ingredients and steps for great flavor. Tips and variations let you customize your tacos for any taste. Proper storage helps keep them fresh. Enjoy making these tacos with your own twist. They're sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this dish, explore different flavors, and make your meals exciting!

Cajun Shrimp Tacos

Spicy and flavorful shrimp tacos served with fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for garnish lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until well coated.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
  • While the shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds until pliable.
  • To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of shredded cabbage on each tortilla.
  • Add 2–3 shrimp to each taco, followed by a few slices of avocado and a spoonful of pico de gallo.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
Keyword Cajun, seafood, shrimp, spicy, tacos