Cajun Shrimp Tacos

$When making Cajun shrimp tacos, use fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet smell. You can choose large or medium shrimp, depending on your preference. I prefer shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes cooking easier. Cajun seasoning adds a punch to your tacos. It usually has spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic. You can find pre-made Cajun seasoning in stores. If you want, you can also make your own. Mix equal parts of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Adjust it to your taste. This seasoning gives the shrimp great flavor and a bit of heat. Fresh produce brightens up your tacos. For this recipe, you need red cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and tomatoes. The red cabbage adds crunch and color. Avocado gives a creamy texture. Cilantro brings freshness, while tomatoes add juiciness. Don't forget to squeeze lime juice over everything. It enhances the taste and adds brightness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 1 pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Place the shrimp in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix well so each shrimp gets coated. This seasoning brings a bold flavor. Let the shrimp sit for a few minutes. This helps the spices soak in. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Use medium-high heat for best results. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and firm up. Remove the shrimp from heat and set aside. Now, take 8 small corn tortillas. Warm them in a dry skillet. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and pliable. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of thinly sliced red cabbage, 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime. Season this mix with salt and pepper to taste. To assemble, place a spoonful of the cabbage mixture on each tortilla. Add several shrimp on top. Finish with a few slices of avocado. Serve your tacos right away. If you like, add more cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To cook shrimp just right, heat your skillet well before adding the shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch closely; shrimp turn pink when done. Overcooking makes them rubbery. Always remove them from heat as soon as they are cooked through. If you want extra flavor, add a pinch more Cajun seasoning while cooking. Cajun seasoning can be spicy. If you or your guests prefer milder flavors, use less seasoning. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance heat. For those who want a kick, try adding cayenne pepper. Just a small sprinkle can make a big difference. Taste as you go to find the right balance for your tacos. Serve these tacos with fresh lime wedges for a zesty touch. Adding a dollop of sour cream can cool down the heat. Try topping with fresh jalapeños for extra spice. I love to add more cilantro for color and flavor. You can also pair these tacos with a side of black beans or corn salad for a full meal. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even bolder taste, marinate the shrimp in the Cajun seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh shrimp and ripe avocados to enhance the flavor and texture of your tacos. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like diced red onion, jalapeños, or a drizzle of spicy crema for an extra kick. Perfectly Warm Tortillas: For the best tortillas, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel after warming to keep them soft and pliable until ready to serve. {{image_2}} If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can try other proteins. Chicken works great. Just use the same Cajun seasoning. You can also use fish like tilapia or salmon. For a plant-based option, try marinated tofu. It absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture. Toppings make tacos fun! You can switch up the red cabbage with shredded lettuce. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Pickled onions add a nice tang. You might also try pineapple salsa for a sweet twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can brighten the flavor too. If you need gluten-free tacos, corn tortillas are your best friend. They hold up well and taste great. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. This way, you get a fresh crunch without any gluten. Just load them up with shrimp and toppings, and enjoy! To store your Cajun shrimp tacos, follow these steps: - Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container. - Keep the cabbage mixture and shrimp separate to avoid sogginess. - Store avocado slices in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. - Refrigerate the leftovers for up to two days. When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat carefully: - For shrimp, heat in a skillet over medium heat until warm. - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side. - Mix the cabbage and tomatoes before serving for a fresh taste. If you want to freeze your tacos, here’s how: - Freeze cooked shrimp in an airtight bag for up to three months. - Avoid freezing the tortillas and fresh toppings. - Thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Use fresh ingredients when ready to serve for the best flavor. The best shrimp for tacos are medium or large shrimp. They hold up well in tacos. I prefer wild-caught shrimp for their flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm and fresh. Fresh shrimp taste better and have a nice texture. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works too. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Yes, you can use other seasoning blends if you like. Taco seasoning or blackening spice works great. You can even mix your own spices at home. Try paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for a bit of heat. Be creative and find the flavor you enjoy most. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your spice level. To make vegetarian Cajun tacos, swap shrimp for veggies. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Season them with the same Cajun blend. Cook them until they are soft and flavorful. Add your favorite taco toppings like avocado and cabbage. These tacos will still be full of flavor and fun! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Cajun shrimp tacos. We discussed choosing the right shrimp, the best seasoning, and fresh produces. I walked you through each step, from prepping the shrimp to cooking and assembling the tacos. You learned tips for perfecting the dish and ways to add twists. Finally, I shared storage tips and answered common questions. Enjoy your cooking journey, and remember, these tacos are flexible. You can adjust them to fit your taste!$

Delicious tacos filled with spicy Cajun shrimp and fresh toppings.

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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 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 whole avocado, sliced
1 4 fresh cilantro, chopped
1 2 diced tomatoes
1 whole Juice of 1 lime
8 small corn tortillas
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or until pliable.
In a separate bowl, mix the sliced red cabbage, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the tacos by placing a generous spoonful of the cabbage mixture on each tortilla, followed by several shrimp and a few slices of avocado.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best taste.

Keyword cajun, seafood, shrimp, tacos