Cajun Shrimp Tacos Slaw

The smell of Cajun spices hitting hot shrimp still takes me back to my tiny apartment kitchen, where wed crowd around the stove waiting for tacos to come together. My roommate would hover by the counter, ready to snatch the first one off the platter.

I started making these when I realized restaurant tacos never gave me enough slaw. Now I pile it high, the way I actually want to eat them, not the way restaurants think I should.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Buying them prepped saves precious minutes and lets you focus on getting that Cajun coating just right
• Cajun seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse, so dont be shy with it and let it coat every curve of the shrimp
• Olive oil: Helps the spices cling and creates those gorgeous sear marks in the skillet
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: These layers build that deep, smoky backbone you expect from Cajun cooking
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the slaw
• Green and red cabbage: The dual colors make these tacos pop, but more importantly, they bring that crisp texture
• Carrot, julienned: Adds sweetness and another layer of crunch that holds up beautifully
• Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: The tangy creaminess that ties all those shredded vegetables together
• Apple cider vinegar and honey: This little sweet and sharp dance balances the spicy shrimp perfectly
• Warm tortillas: The hug that holds it all together, so warm them until theyre pliable and fragrant
• Avocado and cilantro: Because cool, creamy elements against spicy shrimp is non negotiable

Instructions

Marinate the shrimp:

Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated in that reddish brown spice blend. Let them hang out while you make the slaw.

Whisk together the slaw dressing:

Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Pour it over both cabbages and the carrot, then toss until everything glistens.

Sear the shrimp:

Get your skillet ripping hot over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until theyre pink and slightly charred at the edges.

Pile on the fixings:

Scoop that slaw onto warm tortillas, top with the spicy shrimp, then add avocado slices and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges so everyone can squeeze extra brightness over their tacos.

Pin Recipe

These tacos became my go-to for bringing people together around the dinner table. Something about building your own taco makes conversation flow easier.

Getting the Slaw Just Right

I used to make my slaw dressing too thick, but now I thin it with a teaspoon of water until it coats the back of a spoon. That little adjustment makes all the difference between a dry slaw and one that clings perfectly to the cabbage.

Warming Tortillas Like a Pro

Direct flame gives the best char, but a dry skillet works too. Either way, stack the warm tortillas and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft while you finish the shrimp.

Making Ahead for Busy Nights

The slaw actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom of the bowl.

• Mix the slaw up to a day ahead and keep it chilled
• Marinade the shrimp in the morning so theyre ready to hit the pan
• Set up a taco bar and let everyone assemble their own

Pin Recipe

These tacos have a way of turning an ordinary Tuesday into something worth celebrating around the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of shrimp is best for this dish?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best, as they cook quickly and evenly while soaking up the Cajun seasoning.

→ Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, making the slaw in advance helps the flavors meld, but keep it refrigerated and toss before serving for best texture.

→ What tortillas are recommended?

Both corn and flour tortillas suit this dish well; warming them enhances softness and flavor.

→ How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

The level of spice can be adjusted by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ Are there suitable substitutions for the dressing ingredients?

Greek yogurt can be swapped entirely for mayonnaise if preferred, maintaining creaminess with a slightly different taste.