Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw

$- 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, shredded - 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1/4 cup carrots, grated - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for spice) - Juice of 2 limes - Salt to taste This recipe needs fresh shrimp. Look for large shrimp, as they hold up well in tacos. You can use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease. Cajun seasoning brings a bold flavor. You can buy it, or mix your own if you prefer. Olive oil helps the shrimp cook nicely. For the tortillas, you have options. Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, while corn tortillas add a nice crunch. Both work well! Now let’s talk about the slaw. You need green and red cabbage for color. Carrots add sweetness and crunch. Fresh cilantro gives a bright flavor. If you like heat, add jalapeño. The juice of two limes adds a zesty kick. Finally, don’t forget salt! It enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. This simple list of ingredients makes a fresh and tasty taco. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take a mixing bowl and add the shrimp. Then, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Mix them well until the shrimp are fully coated. This step adds great flavor. Next, heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take them off the heat and set aside. Now, grab a separate bowl to make the slaw. Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, cilantro, and jalapeño if you want some spice. Squeeze in the juice of two limes and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined. This slaw adds crunch and a burst of flavor to your tacos. Next, it's time to warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet or over a gas flame. Heat them for a few seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. Now, take a tortilla and add a few shrimp on it. Top it off with a generous amount of the zesty slaw. You can serve these tacos right away. For extra flavor, add lime wedges and cilantro on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious Cajun shrimp tacos! To cook shrimp just right, aim for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear without burning. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch them closely. Remove them from the heat as soon as they change color. If you cook them too long, they will become rubbery and tough. You can add other veggies to the slaw for more crunch. Try bell peppers or radishes for a fresh twist. If you want more heat, add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. To adjust the spiciness, add more lime juice. The acid will help balance the heat. If the slaw is too spicy, add more cabbage or carrots to tone it down. For the best tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet. This method makes them warm and soft. You can also heat them over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side. When choosing between flour and corn tortillas, think about your taste. Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, while corn tortillas have a nice corn flavor and are gluten-free. Both work great for these tacos! Pro Tips Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for wild-caught shrimp if possible, as they often have better flavor and texture compared to farmed varieties. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired. Fresh Slaw is Key: Prepare the slaw just before serving for the freshest crunch. Letting it sit too long can make it soggy. Tortilla Technique: For extra flavor, consider brushing your tortillas lightly with olive oil before warming them for a crispy texture. {{image_2}} You can cook your Cajun shrimp in different ways. Each method gives a unique taste. - Grilled Cajun shrimp adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Toss the shrimp with oil and seasoning. Skewer them on sticks. Grill for 2-3 minutes until they are pink. - Skillet-cooked shrimp is quick and easy. Just heat your skillet. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method keeps them juicy. - Oven-baked Cajun shrimp tacos can be a great option, too. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. This gives a different texture. Feel free to switch up your ingredients. It keeps things fun! - Different seafood can work well. Try using fish like tilapia or crab instead of shrimp. Each seafood type gives a new flavor. - Alternative vegetables for the slaw can add variety. Use broccoli slaw or radishes if you want a crunch. You can also switch to green onions or bell peppers. Adding extra flavors can make your tacos pop. - Adding sauces or salsas can boost taste. A spicy sauce or mango salsa can add sweetness and heat. Just drizzle it over the shrimp and slaw. - Suggestions for toppings are endless. Add shredded cheese for creaminess. Slices of avocado can bring a fresh taste. Fresh cilantro is also a great addition for more flavor. To keep your shrimp and slaw fresh, place them in separate airtight containers. This helps maintain texture and taste. Refrigerate them right away. The shrimp will stay good for about 2 days. The slaw can last up to 3 days. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. You can freeze the shrimp tacos if you want to save them for later. Make sure to freeze the shrimp and slaw separately. This keeps them fresh. Use freezer bags or containers to avoid freezer burn. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, place them in cold water for about an hour. When reheating shrimp, a skillet works best. Heat it on medium and add a bit of oil. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes, just until warm. For tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and avoids sogginess. You can also use a microwave, but keep it short and cover with a damp paper towel. For tacos, I recommend using large shrimp. They are easy to handle and cook well. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp works just fine too. If you can, choose shrimp labeled as "wild-caught." They have better flavor and texture. Cajun shrimp tacos can have a nice kick. The spice comes from the Cajun seasoning and optional jalapeño. If you like it milder, use less seasoning. You can also skip the jalapeño. For more heat, add extra seasoning or fresh chilis. Adjust it to match your taste. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the shrimp a few hours in advance. Store them in the fridge until serving. You can also make the slaw ahead. Just mix all the slaw ingredients and keep it cold. Warm the tortillas right before serving for the best taste. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Cajun shrimp tacos. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about variations, storage, and common questions to help you enjoy these tacos anytime. Remember, cooking is fun, so feel free to add your twist. Enjoy your tacos with friends or family and make mealtime exciting!$

Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Slaw

Delicious tacos filled with spicy Cajun shrimp and a refreshing zesty slaw.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 300 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, shredded
0.5 cup red cabbage, shredded
0.25 cup carrots, grated
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño finely chopped (optional for spice)
2 limes Juice
to taste salt Salt

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and olive oil. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, prepare the slaw by mixing together the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss well to combine.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until they are pliable.
To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla and top generously with the zesty slaw.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra lime wedges and cilantro for garnish.

Keyword Cajun, shrimp, slaw, tacos