Cajun Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup finely shredded green cabbage - 1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup pico de gallo - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges, for garnish To make these tacos, you need fresh shrimp. I love using large shrimp. They cook fast and taste great. You also need small corn tortillas, which are soft and perfect for wrapping. Next, shredded green cabbage adds crunch and freshness. Don't skip the avocado; it gives creaminess. It balances the spice from the Cajun seasoning. For the seasoning, mix Cajun seasoning with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like heat. Add salt and pepper for taste. Finally, toppings like pico de gallo and chopped cilantro add flavor. Lime wedges will brighten everything up. These ingredients bring the dish together and make it pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In it, toss one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you like heat, sprinkle in a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Finally, add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to coat the shrimp with spices. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat once they are cooked perfectly. While the shrimp is cooking, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat them for about 15-20 seconds. This will make them soft and easy to fold. Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Start by laying a generous amount of finely shredded green cabbage on each tortilla. This adds a nice crunch. Then, place 2-3 pieces of cooked shrimp on top of the cabbage. Follow this with a few slices of ripe avocado. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for fresh flavor. To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over each taco. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty touch that brightens everything up. Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Cajun shrimp tacos! To ensure your shrimp cooks perfectly, look for shrimp that are pink and opaque. This means they are done. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so watch closely. For heating tortillas, use a dry skillet or microwave. In the microwave, heat them for just 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft and easy to fold. If you use a skillet, keep the heat medium. This way, they warm evenly. When you arrange your tacos, a large platter works well. Place the tacos in a circle. Surround them with lime wedges for color. A sprinkle of cilantro on top adds a nice touch. As for sides, consider beans or rice. They pair well with tacos. A fresh salad is also nice. For drinks, try a cold lemonade or a light beer. They balance the flavors of the spicy shrimp. To add more flavor, consider extra spices. A dash of chili powder or a squeeze of lime can work wonders. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For toppings, try different options. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of feta cheese can be fun. You can also add pickled onions or jalapeños for a kick. Mixing and matching toppings can keep your tacos exciting! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp that has been previously frozen as it retains freshness better than shrimp that has been sitting on ice. Perfectly Warm Tortillas: For the best texture, warm your corn tortillas in a skillet rather than the microwave. This adds a nice char and enhances the flavor. Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. You can also serve a spicy sauce on the side for those who like it hot! Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on garnishes! Fresh cilantro and lime juice not only add flavor but also brighten the presentation of your tacos. {{image_4}} If you want to mix things up, try swapping shrimp with other proteins. Chicken works great in these tacos. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it the same way as the shrimp. Fish like tilapia or salmon can also add a nice twist. If you want a plant-based option, use tofu. Just press and cube the tofu, then season it before cooking. You can also change the tortillas. While corn tortillas are classic, you can use flour tortillas for a softer bite. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortillas in stores. They taste good and work well with these toppings. Adjusting spice levels can help you find your perfect flavor. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper to your shrimp mix. You can also try different spice blends, like taco seasoning or even curry powder for a unique twist. Incorporating ingredients from other cuisines can enhance your tacos. Try adding kimchi for a Korean flair or mango salsa for a sweet touch. You can mix in fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra flavor. Experimenting with different flavors makes cooking fun and tasty. To store your leftover Cajun shrimp, place them in an airtight container. Cooked shrimp can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. For tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them from drying out. Store them with the shrimp in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your tacos again, reheat the shrimp gently. Place them in a skillet over low heat. Cook for about five minutes or until warm. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful. For the tortillas, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold. You can prep the components ahead of time. Season the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Chop the cabbage and cilantro in advance. Keep the pico de gallo in a separate container. This way, you can quickly assemble your tacos when you’re ready to eat. Enjoying fresh tacos has never been easier! To add heat to your Cajun shrimp tacos, use these tips: - Increase Cajun seasoning: Add an extra tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for more flavor. - Cayenne pepper: Use more cayenne to boost the heat. Start with 1/2 teaspoon. - Hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top before serving. - Spicy toppings: Consider using jalapeños or spicy salsa as toppings. You can mix and match these ideas based on your heat preference. Remember to taste as you go. It’s easy to add more spice, but hard to take it away! Cajun shrimp tacos pair well with many sides. Here are some popular options: - Rice: Serve with seasoned white or brown rice for a filling meal. - Beans: Black beans or refried beans add protein and fiber. - Corn salad: A fresh corn salad brings sweetness and crunch. - Chips and dip: Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa. - Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the spicy shrimp. These sides not only enhance your meal but also add color to your plate! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Here’s how to prepare them: - Thawing: Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Change the water halfway through. - Cooking: Once thawed, follow the same cooking steps as fresh shrimp. Make sure they turn pink and opaque. Using frozen shrimp is a great way to save time while still enjoying tasty tacos! Cajun shrimp tacos are a tasty treat. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare this dish in simple steps. The cooking tips and serving ideas I shared can help you impress your friends. Don’t hesitate to explore flavor variations to make the tacos your own. Remember, proper storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh. This recipe is easy to adapt, so have fun with it. Enjoy your cooking adventure and relish the bold flavors of these tacos!$

Delicious tacos filled with spicy Cajun shrimp, fresh avocado, and vibrant cabbage.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup finely shredded green cabbage
1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges
1/2 cup pico de gallo (can be store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
as needed Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you prefer extra heat), along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the mixture until the shrimp are evenly coated in the spices.
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat.
Meanwhile, in a separate dry skillet or in the microwave, warm the corn tortillas until they are soft and pliable—about 15-20 seconds in the microwave should suffice.
To assemble the tacos, lay a generous amount of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, creating a vibrant base.
Top the cabbage with 2–3 pieces of cooked shrimp per taco, then gracefully add a few slices of avocado and a spoonful of pico de gallo on top of the shrimp.
Finish by garnishing each taco with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Consider serving the tacos on a large platter, and arrange lime wedges around the serving dish for a fresh and colorful presentation. Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro on top for a pop of color.

Keyword Cajun, seafood, shrimp, tacos