Charred Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Grilled shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices served in warm tortillas with a tangy cilantro lime slaw for a vibrant seafood taco. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare slaw by combining 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then toss with the cabbage mixture until well coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing grilled shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Charred Cajun-Spiced 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 Charred Cajun-Spiced 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 Charred Cajun-Spiced 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 Charred Cajun-Spiced 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.

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