Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp grilled over charcoal and served in soft tortillas topped with a creamy avocado slaw for a smoky, fresh bite. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, olive oil 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill grates. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until creamy and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas over the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla and topping with a generous scoop of the avocado slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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.

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