Cajun Shrimp Tacos Slaw

The first time I made these Cajun shrimp tacos was on a rainy Tuesday when I desperately needed something to brighten up the kitchen. That hit of smoky spice against the cool tangy slaw changed everything I thought about quick weeknight dinners. Now whenever I see those beautiful charred marks on the shrimp, I know dinner is going to be something special.

Last summer my neighbor caught me grilling shrimp on the back porch and ended up staying for dinner. She took one bite of these tacos and immediately asked for the recipe, claiming they were better than the ones she had in New Orleans. Now we make them together whenever either of us needs a little pick me up.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined saves precious time and lets those spices really sink into the meat
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to help the seasoning coat evenly without making the shrimp greasy
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning: The backbone of the whole dish, do not be shy with it
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds that savory depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: Gives that gorgeous reddish color and subtle smoky flavor
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other spices without overpowering
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Just enough background warmth to complement the heat
• Juice of ½ lime: The acid that cuts through the rich spices and brightens everything
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 cup shredded red cabbage: The mix of colors looks stunning and gives you that satisfying crunch
• ½ cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and another layer of texture to the slaw
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creates that creamy base for the slaw dressing
• 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar: The tang that balances the rich mayo and sweet honey
• 1 tbsp honey: Just enough sweetness to tame the heat and bring everything together
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas: Corn gives you that authentic taco flavor but flour works beautifully too
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro: The fresh herbal finish that makes everything taste alive

Instructions

Marinate the shrimp:

Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and lime juice. Let them hang out for 10 minutes while you make the slaw.

Mix up the slaw:

Combine both cabbages, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss until every shred is coated then stash it in the fridge.

Sear to perfection:

Get your skillet ripping hot over medium high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and sporting those gorgeous charred spots.

Warm your tortillas:

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are pliable and ready to fold without cracking.

Bring it all together:

Pile a generous scoop of slaw onto each tortilla, top with those spicy shrimp, scatter fresh cilantro everywhere. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Save

These tacos have become my go to for feeding a crowd because everyone can customize them exactly how they like. Watching friends pile on extra slaw or reach for the hot sauce makes the whole experience feel like a party.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. I have made it with leftover roasted corn kernels stirred into the slaw and with sliced avocado added on top. Both versions were incredible.

Getting The Texture Right

The crunch of the slaw against the tender shrimp is what makes these tacos sing. I sometimes throw in a handful of radish matchsticks or jicama for extra snap. It is those little textural surprises that keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Serving Suggestions

A cold beer makes these shrimp tacos feel like a proper treat but sometimes I just want something crisp and refreshing. The key is having something cold alongside to balance all those bold flavors.

• Slice some jalapeños if you really want to turn up the heat
• A side of black beans or Mexican rice makes it a complete meal
• Extra lime wedges are never a bad idea

Save

There is something about the combination of spicy, cool, crisp and tender that just works. These tacos never fail to make a regular weeknight feel like a tiny celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prepare the Cajun seasoning for the shrimp?

The shrimp is tossed with olive oil, Cajun seasoning blend, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice, then marinated for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the slaw?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture with less fat.

→ What types of tortillas work best for these tacos?

Both small corn and flour tortillas can be used; warm them until pliable for easy assembly and optimal taste.

→ How is the slaw prepared to maintain its crispness?

The shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed with a dressing of apple cider vinegar, honey, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, then chilled until serving to keep the slaw crisp and tangy.

→ What are good drink pairings with this dish?

A crisp lager or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the spicy and tangy flavors nicely.