Cajun Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Spicy blackened shrimp nestled in warm corn tortillas topped with a crunchy cilantro lime slaw for a vibrant, flavorful taco. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 21 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium avocado, sliced (optional) avocado slices
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through; remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until well mixed to create the slaw.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble the tacos by dividing the cooked shrimp evenly among the tortillas, topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw, and adding avocado slices if using. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cajun Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
