Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy shrimp coated in a bold Cajun spice blend and grilled to perfection, served with a fresh pineapple salsa wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds each side until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla and topping with 2 tbsp pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Pineapple Salsa?
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 Pineapple Salsa?
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 Pineapple Salsa 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 Pineapple Salsa?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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.
