NASA Space Center Inspired Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Boldly seasoned blackened shrimp tacos with a zesty slaw and creamy avocado sauce, inspired by the excitement and energy of space exploration. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 21 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups, shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp, fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium, mashed avocado
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil until shrimp are evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss gently to make a crisp slaw.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 medium mashed avocado, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp avocado sauce on each tortilla, topping with a few shrimp and a generous spoonful of slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does NASA Space Center Inspired Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos 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 NASA Space Center Inspired Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos?
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 NASA Space Center Inspired Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos?
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 NASA Space Center Inspired Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos 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 NASA Space Center Inspired Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos?
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.
