Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup shredded cabbage - ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Using precise measurements helps you get the best flavor. For shrimp, use 1 pound. This gives four servings, perfect for taco night. Measure 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This spice mix gives the shrimp that bold kick. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook the shrimp and veggies. The oil helps to prevent sticking. For veggies, slice 1 red and 1 green bell pepper. You want them thin for even cooking. A small red onion adds sweetness. For the tortillas, grab 8 small corn ones; they hold the filling well. You’ll need 1 avocado, sliced, to add creaminess. A cup of shredded cabbage gives crunch. Use ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy sauce. Finally, squeeze 2 tablespoons of lime juice for freshness. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste. Choose shrimp that smells clean and ocean-like. Look for firm and shiny shells. For peppers, select ones that feel heavy and have smooth skin. Choose bright colors for the best flavor. When picking onions, go for ones that are firm and have no soft spots. For tortillas, look for those made with just corn and water. Fresh cilantro should be bright green and fragrant. Avoid any wilting or yellow leaves. These tips ensure your tacos taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab your shrimp. You need one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. In a bowl, mix the shrimp with two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together well. This step coats the shrimp with flavor. Let the shrimp sit for a few minutes as you prepare the veggies. This allows the spices to soak in. Now, it's time for the vegetables. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and be cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, add sliced red and green bell peppers, along with thinly sliced red onion. Sauté them for about five minutes. You want them softened and slightly caramelized. This adds sweetness to your tacos. Now, let's put it all together. Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them pliable and tasty. On each tortilla, place a layer of the sautéed veggies. Then, add a few shrimp on top. Finish with slices of avocado and a handful of shredded cabbage. For extra creaminess, drizzle sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with two tablespoons of lime juice on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your spicy Cajun shrimp tacos! To cook shrimp well, keep a close eye on them. Start with a hot skillet. Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Toppings can make your tacos shine. Here are some ideas: - Avocado: Adds creaminess and a rich flavor. - Shredded cabbage: Gives a nice crunch. - Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Balances the spice with coolness. - Fresh cilantro: Brightens the taste. - Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds freshness. Feel free to mix and match your favorites! These tacos are easy to serve. Use a large platter for a fun family meal. You can also set up a taco bar. Let everyone build their own tacos. This adds a fun touch to the meal. For sides, consider serving black beans or rice. They pair well with the spicy flavors. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to match your heat preference. You can also add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick! Fresh Tortillas: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly made corn tortillas if possible. They provide a delightful authenticity to your tacos. Garnish Wisely: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice elevate the flavors significantly. Don’t skip these garnishes for a burst of freshness! {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken, fish, or tofu work well. For chicken, use thighs or breasts. Cook it just like you do with shrimp. For fish, salmon or tilapia are tasty options. Sauté them with Cajun seasoning for great flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Press the tofu to remove extra water, then season and cook it as you would shrimp. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp. You can use black beans or chickpeas instead. These add protein and fiber. Sauté them with Cajun spices for a kick. Grilled veggies like zucchini or corn also work great. They add a nice texture and flavor. Don’t forget to pile on the avocado and cabbage for added crunch. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or parsley is a great choice. You can also mix in some hot sauce for extra heat. Another idea is to add a splash of mango salsa. It gives a sweet contrast to the spice. Lime juice brightens up all the flavors, so don’t skip it. You can even try different types of cheese or a spicy aioli for a creamy touch. To keep your Spicy Cajun shrimp tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the shrimp and veggies in one container and the tortillas in another. This keeps them from getting soggy. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra toppings, store them separately as well. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the shrimp and veggies in a skillet over medium heat. This helps keep the flavors intact. Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds each side. You want them soft and pliable. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them tough. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the shrimp and veggies. Pack them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind, tortillas do not freeze well, so it's best to prepare those fresh. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, don’t worry! You can mix your spices. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use equal parts of each spice to make your own blend. This mix gives great flavor without Cajun seasoning. Yes, you can! Prepare the shrimp and veggies ahead. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Just warm them before serving. You can also prepare the toppings in advance. Keep the avocado fresh by adding lime juice to it. To lower the heat, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also use mild seasoning blends. Adding more sour cream or Greek yogurt helps cool the dish too. Serve with extra toppings like avocado and cabbage for added flavor without spice. This blog post covered all the key steps to make delicious shrimp tacos. We explored the best ingredients, precise measurements, and tips for freshness. You learned how to prepare shrimp, cook veggies, and assemble tacos. I shared cooking tips, topping ideas, and serving suggestions. We also looked at tasty variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Now, you’re ready to create your perfect shrimp tacos. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impress your family and friends!$

Delicious tacos filled with spicy Cajun shrimp and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
1 unit green bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 small corn tortillas
1 unit avocado, sliced
1 cup shredded cabbage
0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
Assemble the tacos by placing a layer of sautéed veggies on each tortilla, followed by a few shrimp, then top with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of extra lime juice on top.

Notes

Serve with extra lime wedges for added flavor.

Keyword Cajun, seafood, shrimp, spicy, tacos