If you’re craving something spicy, tangy, and irresistibly fresh, these Easy Cajun Shrimp Tacos are the answer. Juicy shrimp, generously seasoned with bold Cajun spices, nestled into warm tortillas with a crunchy creamy slaw—this dish is a weeknight dream come true. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to something incredible, these tacos pack big flavor in very little time. You’ll love how easy this is!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life:
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the creamy slaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
For the tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Extra lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: sliced avocado, mango salsa, or crumbled cotija cheese
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
- Quick & Easy: They’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Spicy & Satisfying: The Cajun seasoning delivers a punch of bold flavor without needing complicated ingredients.
- Fresh & Crunchy: The creamy slaw balances the heat beautifully with its tang and texture.
- Totally Customizable: Use what you have on hand and adjust to your taste preferences.
Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Tacos
1. Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Let them marinate for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the shrimp time to soak in all those warm, spicy flavors.
Tip: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
2. Make the Creamy Slaw
While the shrimp are marinating, mix up the slaw. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add in the shredded cabbage and toss until everything’s nicely coated. Chill it in the fridge while you cook the shrimp.
Variation: Add a handful of grated carrot or chopped green onion to the slaw for extra color and crunch.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat right away—shrimp cook fast, and overcooked shrimp get rubbery.
Pro Tip: Use a cast iron skillet if you have one—it adds a delicious char!
4. Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp are cooling slightly, warm your tortillas. You can heat them directly over a gas burner for that slightly toasted flavor or warm them in a dry skillet. Microwave also works in a pinch—wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat for about 20–30 seconds.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part! Add a generous spoonful of slaw to each tortilla, top with a few sizzling shrimp, and garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice. Want to level it up? Add sliced avocado or mango salsa for a refreshing twist.
You’ll love how vibrant and beautiful these tacos look on the plate—and they taste even better!
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are flavorful enough to shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with sides if you’re planning a bigger spread. Here are a few favorites:
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn slathered in crema and spices.
- Black Beans or Refried Beans: A hearty and filling addition.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: Light and fragrant—perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Fresh Citrus Salad: Oranges, grapefruit, and mint bring balance to the spice.
- Tortilla Chips and Guacamole: Because no taco night is complete without them.
For drinks, try a chilled hibiscus tea, lime agua fresca, or a simple sparkling water with lime slices.
Tips and Tricks
- Shrimp Size Matters: Large shrimp (about 21–25 count) are best—they stay juicy and meaty.
- Make It Milder: Cut back on the Cajun seasoning or mix it with a bit of honey or olive oil to mellow the heat.
- Make It a Bowl: Skip the tortillas and layer the shrimp, slaw, and toppings over greens or rice.
- Double the Sauce: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling—or dipping tortilla chips!
- Want a crunchier slaw? Use red cabbage or add a handful of thinly sliced radish.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store each component separately to keep things fresh:
- Shrimp: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Slaw: Best used within 1–2 days. Stir well before using.
- Tortillas: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving again.
Avoid freezing the cooked shrimp—it tends to lose its texture when thawed.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Be careful not to overcook. Tortillas reheat best in a hot, dry pan or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free mayo and yogurt in the slaw, and skip the cheese topping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just use corn tortillas and make sure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
Can I grill the shrimp?
Yes! Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2–3 minutes per side. It adds amazing smoky flavor.
How spicy is it?
Cajun seasoning can have a kick. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with less and add to taste.
Can I prep it ahead?
You sure can. Marinate the shrimp and mix the slaw in advance, but cook the shrimp fresh for best results.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own! Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cajun Shrimp Tacos are the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with barely any effort. Spicy, creamy, crunchy, and full of bold flavors—they’re bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Make them once, and you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.
Ready to bring the heat? Grab those tortillas and dive into taco night done right!
Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (for slaw)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- fresh cilantro, for garnish
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir in the shredded cabbage and season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble tacos by adding slaw to each tortilla, topping with shrimp, and garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
