Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp coated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled and served in warm tortillas with creamy avocado lime sauce and crisp cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp (peeled and deveined), olive oil, cajun seasoning into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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

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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 the slaw by combining 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl. Toss and set aside.
  3. Step 3: To make the avocado lime sauce, blend 1 large peeled and pitted avocado, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the tacos by spooning some cabbage slaw onto each tortilla, topping with grilled shrimp, and drizzling with avocado lime sauce. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce?

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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