Cajun Shrimp Tacos Slaw

My roommate from Louisiana first taught me that Cajun seasoning belongs on everything, and these tacos were the revelation that changed my Tuesday night dinner rotation forever.

Last summer I made these for a crowd of skeptical friends who swore they did not like seafood, and watching them go back for thirds was deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined saves precious time and lets the seasoning directly contact the shrimp
• Cajun seasoning: This blend brings the heat, smokiness, and depth that defines the whole dish
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the shrimp and promotes beautiful caramelization in the pan
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Extra layers of savory and smoky flavor that complement the Cajun blend
• Lemon juice: Bright acid cuts through the richness and adds a fresh note to the spiced shrimp
• Green and red cabbage: The dual colors make the slaw visually stunning while providing crunch
• Carrot: Adds sweetness and another texture element to the crunchy slaw base
• Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: The combination creates a creamy dressing that is not too heavy
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives the slaw a tangy backbone that balances the spicy shrimp
• Honey: Just enough sweetness to round out the acidic dressing and tie everything together
• Tortillas: Corn or flour both work beautifully, just warm them well for the best texture
• Avocado and cilantro: These garnishes add creaminess and fresh herbal notes that complete each bite

Instructions

Marinate the shrimp:

Toss the peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let them sit while you make the slaw to really let those flavors penetrate.

Prepare the slaw:

Combine both cabbages and the carrot in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, then pour over the vegetables and toss until everything is nicely coated. Pop it in the fridge to stay crisp.

Sear the shrimp:

Get your skillet ripping hot over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a gorgeous crust.

Save

These tacos have become my go-to for hosting because everyone can customize their own, and the assembly line part feels like a party activity.

Making It Your Own

I have found that adding a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp marinade kicks up the heat for friends who really like it spicy.

Serving Suggestions

A cold beer or chilled white wine pairs perfectly with these flavors, and some black beans on the side make it a complete meal.

Make Ahead Magic

The slaw actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, so you can make it in the afternoon and it will be perfect for dinner.

• Warm your tortillas directly over a gas flame for the best charred flavor
• Keep the shrimp warm in a low oven while you finish assembling everything
• Have extra lime wedges ready because everyone wants more

Save

These tacos always remind me that the best meals are the ones shared with people you love, preferably with sticky fingers and happy full bellies.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices are used to flavor the shrimp?

The shrimp is seasoned with Cajun spices including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy taste.

→ How is the slaw dressing made?

The slaw dressing combines mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for a creamy, tangy finish.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, both corn and flour tortillas work well and can be warmed before assembling for better texture.

→ How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with 10 minutes cooking time, totaling roughly 30 minutes from start to finish.

→ Are there any allergen considerations?

This dish contains shellfish, eggs, dairy, and potentially gluten if using flour tortillas; gluten-free corn tortillas are a good alternative.