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To make Cajun shrimp tacos, you'll need these main ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 8 small flour or corn tortillas - 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded - 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1/4 cup carrots, finely grated - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped - Juice of 2 fresh limes - Salt to taste These ingredients combine to create a vibrant and tasty meal. The shrimp becomes flavorful with Cajun seasoning, and the slaw adds crunch. You can enhance your tacos with these optional add-ons: - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (for spice) - Sliced avocado or guacamole - Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese - Hot sauce or salsa for a kick These add-ons let you customize the taste. You can choose how spicy or creamy you want your tacos. For the perfect base, use these tortilla types: - Small flour tortillas - Small corn tortillas Flour tortillas are soft and chewy. Corn tortillas have a nice corn flavor. Both are great options. You can warm them up for a better texture. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, take 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. In a mixing bowl, add the shrimp, 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss everything well. You want the shrimp to be fully coated with the seasoning. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn a vibrant pink color and be opaque throughout. Once done, remove the shrimp from the heat and set them aside. In another bowl, grab your veggies. Combine 1 cup of finely shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup of finely shredded red cabbage, and 1/4 cup of finely grated carrots. Also, add 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh cilantro. If you like spice, include 1 finely chopped jalapeño. Squeeze the juice of 2 fresh limes into the mix and add a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until well mixed and coated in lime juice. This slaw adds a crunchy and fresh flavor to your tacos. Now let’s warm the tortillas. You can use small flour or corn tortillas, about 8 in total. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. If you prefer, you can warm them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side. This step makes the tortillas soft and easy to fold. You want them warm and pliable for the best taco experience. It's time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a few pieces of the cooked Cajun shrimp in the center. Top the shrimp with a generous amount of the zesty slaw mixture. Make sure each taco has vibrant colors and flavors. For an extra touch, you can garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Serve your tacos right away for the best taste! To make the shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Choose large shrimp for a better bite. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning cling well. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a bright pink color. They should be opaque, which means they’re done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so watch them closely. You can boost flavor easily. Consider adding a touch of garlic powder or onion powder to the shrimp mix. A dash of smoked paprika adds depth. For a kick, toss in some chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish. You can also experiment with different slaw ingredients. Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. These small changes can make a big difference. Serve your tacos on a colorful platter. Arrange lime wedges around the tacos for a pop of color. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top looks appealing. For extra flair, use a mix of tortillas. Use both flour and corn tortillas for texture variety. Layer the tacos with shrimp and slaw, making them look full and vibrant. This way, they will not only taste great but also look beautiful on your table. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Customize the Spice: If you prefer milder tacos, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the jalapeño in the slaw. You can also add avocado for creaminess. Tortilla Choice: Both flour and corn tortillas work well, but corn tortillas have a more authentic flavor. Warm them just before serving to enhance their texture. Make Ahead: Prepare the slaw in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you're ready to serve. {{image_4}} You can kick up the heat in your Cajun shrimp tacos. To do this, add more Cajun seasoning to the shrimp. You can also include extra jalapeños in the slaw for an added kick. If you love heat, try adding diced chipotle peppers or a splash of hot sauce. Each bite will pack a flavorful punch! If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the shrimp. Instead, use black beans or grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. For a seafood twist, try using grilled portobello mushrooms. The spices will still shine, bringing great taste to your meal. You can also add extra lime for brightness. The slaw can change your taco game. For a twist, try adding mango for sweetness. You can also mix in apples or radishes for crunch. A creamy dressing using yogurt or avocado can add richness. Play with flavors until you find your favorite slaw mix. This keeps your tacos fresh and fun! You can store leftover shrimp and slaw in separate airtight containers. Place the shrimp in one container and the slaw in another. This prevents the slaw from getting soggy. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Always check for any off smells before using. If they smell funny, throw them away. To reheat the shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. Heat for about 2-3 minutes until warm. If you prefer the microwave, use a covered dish for one minute. Stir and check if they need more time. For the tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. The cooked shrimp can last in the fridge for two days. The slaw is best used within the first day for crispness. If you store it, keep it covered. The tortillas can last up to a week in their original packaging. Always check the expiration date to be safe. Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices that gives food a bold flavor. It often includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. To make your own, combine: - 2 tablespoons paprika - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon black pepper Mix these well, and store in an airtight jar. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the Cajun seasoning stick better. For a tasty meal, try these sides: - Cilantro lime rice - Black beans - Grilled corn on the cob - Avocado salad These sides add freshness and balance to the spicy shrimp tacos. To kick up the heat, add more cayenne to the shrimp. You can also use a spicier jalapeño or add diced serrano peppers. Another option is to drizzle hot sauce over the tacos just before serving. This will give each bite an extra punch. Yes, you can make the slaw ahead of time! Mix all the slaw ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add the lime juice until you're ready to serve. This keeps the slaw crisp and fresh. Cajun shrimp tacos are fun and easy to make. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned how to store leftovers and create variations. Whether you want spicy flavors or a vegetarian option, tacos work for everyone. Enjoy your tasty meal with friends or family. Experimenting with these recipes will surely bring you joy. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking!

Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw

Delicious tacos filled with Cajun seasoned shrimp and a refreshing zesty slaw.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 2 red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 4 cup carrots, finely grated
  • 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 jalapeño finely chopped (optional for spice)
  • 2 fresh limes Juice
  • to taste Salt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a vibrant pink color and are opaque throughout. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the heat and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, prepare the zesty slaw by combining the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped jalapeño (if using). Squeeze in the lime juice and add a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the slaw is coated in lime juice.
  • To warm the tortillas, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, or you can warm them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side. This will make the tortillas soft and pliable.
  • To assemble the tacos, take a warmed tortilla and place a few pieces of the cooked Cajun shrimp in the center. Top the shrimp generously with the zesty slaw mixture, ensuring each taco is filled with vibrant flavors.
  • Serve the tacos immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness, if desired.

Notes

Serve the tacos on a colorful platter with lime wedges and extra chopped cilantro for garnish.
Keyword Cajun, shrimp, slaw, tacos