Description
These Cajun Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and quick meal perfect for any night of the week. Juicy shrimp tossed in Cajun seasoning and garlic are pan-seared to perfection and served atop a creamy, tangy coleslaw blend in warm flour tortillas. The combination of spicy, creamy, and fresh ingredients offers a satisfying and vibrant flavor profile that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Slaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
Shrimp
- 1 lb. raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on or off
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Other
- 8 taco-sized flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, diced jalapeños, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. This mixture creates the fresh and crunchy base of the tacos.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Pour this over the slaw mixture and toss until the slaw is evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the shrimp: In another bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and minced garlic to ensure each shrimp is well coated with flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable, making them easier to fold and more enjoyable to eat.
- Assemble the tacos: Lay each warmed tortilla flat, then spoon a generous amount of creamy slaw onto it. Top with several pieces of the cooked Cajun shrimp, and garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.
- For gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- To reduce heat, omit the jalapeño or substitute with mild green bell pepper.
- For extra flavor, add avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tacos.
- Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for brighter flavor.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid toughness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 145mg