These Cajun Shrimp Tacos are fast and flavorful! They're made with Cajun seasoning, black beans, and topped with cilantro lime avocado sauce.
If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner that's ready in 30 minutes, be sure to check out these Cajun-spiced Shrimp Tacos.
Shrimp is a great ingredient to have on hand because it's incredibly versatile cooks quickly. It can be added to everything from pasta to sandwiches to salads and tends to pick up whatever flavors are added to it.
When it comes to tacos, I usually stick with Southwest spices, but with this recipe I opted to flavor the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. It gives these tacos a savory, salty, and slightly spicy kick. I find that the bold spices in Cajun seasoning complements the sweetness of the shrimp nicely.
The shrimp is sauteed in a skillet along with some olive oil, garlic, and Cajun seasoning and then served on tortillas along with some black beans (or beans of choice), fresh veggies or fruit, and a cilantro lime avocado sauce.
These tacos can be customized to your tastes and garnished with any of your favorite toppings. This recipe is a great option when you're looking for a flavorful meal without a lot of effort.
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What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a spice blend that originates from Cajun country in Louisiana. It consists of a mixture of spicy, smoky, and earthy spices along with salt and black or white pepper.
Every blend of Cajun seasoning is different, but it generally consists of paprika or smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt and black or white pepper. You can purchase Cajun seasoning from the spice aisle of your local grocery store or make your own blend at home.
Cajun seasoning is used extensively in Cajun cooking to make dishes like gumbo, etouffee, and jambalaya. It's also a great way to add bold flavor to everyday dishes like pasta, fish and seafood, or grilled or roasted meats.
Make sure to use a brand that's gluten free if gluten is an issue for you.
Check out this recipe if you'd like to Make Your Own Cajun Seasoning.
If you love Cajun seasoning, check out this Cajun Chicken Orzo Pasta!
Ingredients For Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Here's what you'll need to make it.
- 1 lb. Shrimp (thawed if frozen and peeled)
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 2-3 tsp. Cajun Seasoning (depending on desired spiciness)
- 4 cloves Garlic (split)
- ½ tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
- ⅛ tsp. Pepper
- 1 can Refried Black Beans (or regular black beans, pinto beans, or beans of choice)
- Corn Tortillas (or any tortillas if not gluten free)
- 1 ripe Avocado
- ⅓ cup Sour Cream (full fat)
- ⅓ cup Cilantro (minced)
- 3 Tbsp. Lime Juice
- 2-3 Tbsp. Water
- Bell Peppers, Radishes, Greens, Mangos, or toppings of choice (optional)
How To Cook Juicy Shrimp
When it comes to cooking shrimp, there are a few methods I like to employ to ensure that it's juicy, plump, and flavorful.
- It's very important not to overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unappealing. Sauté the shrimp just until opaque and then remove from the heat.
- It's also important not to undercook it as undercooked fish and seafood is unsafe for consumption. The safe internal temperature for shrimp is 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit and can be checked using a food thermometer if you have any questions.
- Make sure to properly season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- If the shrimp is frozen, make sure to thaw completely and lay the shrimp out on paper towels to absorb any excess water (water can make the shrimp rubbery when cooked).
- Clean the shrimp by removing any veins (if necessary) and peel the shrimp if needed. Simply discard the veins and shrimp shells.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the shrimp to the skillet. If the oil is not hot enough, the shrimp may absorb it and become greasy.
- Do not use pre-cooked shrimp, as it easily overcooks and becomes rubbery.
Fresh shrimp is great if you live near an ocean, but frozen shrimp is a good choice if you don't live near a coast.
How To Cook Shrimp For Tacos
Shrimp is super easy to cook in a skillet on the stove top. It only takes 5-6 minutes and the flavor is easily customized depending on the spices that are added to it.
This recipe calls for 1 lb. of shrimp (fresh or frozen) that's sauteed in a skillet along with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt and pepper.
The shrimp become fragrant and absorb all of the spices of the Cajun seasoning as they cook. I recommend using a large skillet so that it does not become overcrowded.
- Start by thawing (if frozen) 1 lb. of shrimp. Remove the shells if needed once thawed and devein and remove the shells if fresh. Discard the veins and shrimp shells.
- Place the shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels and place another paper towel on top of the shrimp to absorb any excess water.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Place a large skillet on the stove top and heat to medium-high. Once heated, add 2 Tbsp. of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet along with 2-3 tsp. of Cajun seasoning, ¼ tsp. of kosher salt and ⅛ tsp. of pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on the first side.
- Flip the shrimp and add the minced garlic to the skillet.
- Sauté for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the garlic fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
The amount of Cajun seasoning added depends on your spice preference. Add 2 tsp. of Cajun seasoning if you prefer slightly spicy shrimp or 3 tsp. if you like spicier shrimp.
It's always best to start with a small amount and add more if necessary. You can always add spice but not remove it.
Love shrimp? Check out these recipes!
- Curry Orzo Shrimp Pasta
- Skillet Shrimp and Spring Veggies
- Mexican Shrimp Rice Bowls
- Vietnamese Shrimp Salad
- Mushroom Shrimp Risotto
- Quinoa Zucchini Shrimp Salad
How To Make Avocado Sauce
Avocado sauce is one of those things that makes any dish taste just a little more delicious.
This one is made with a ripe avocado, sour cream, garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice, water, and kosher salt that are all blended in a food processor until smooth.
This cilantro lime avocado sauce is creamy, tangy, and full of bright flavors that complement the spicy shrimp perfectly.
It also works as a great sauce for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or any of your favorite Southwest or Tex Mex dishes.
- To make the sauce, cut one large ripe avocado in half, remove and discard the pit, and scoop the avocado into a food processor.
- Remove the skins and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic.
- Roughly chop ⅓ cup of fresh cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of 1-2 limes until you have 3 Tbsp. of lime juice.
- Add the ⅓ cup of full fat sour cream, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to the food processor along with 2 Tbsp. of water and ¼ tsp. of kosher salt.
- Puree the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Add 1 Tbsp. or more of water if needed until the mixture has reached your desired consistency.
Can Avocado Sauce Be Made Ahead?
The great thing about this avocado sauce is that it can be made the day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If storing in the fridge, you may need to add a bit more water to the sauce and stir until it reaches your desired consistency, as it tends to firm up as it sits in the refrigerator.
If you have extra avocado sauce, it can be used as a dip for chips, drizzled onto your favorite Tex Mex or Southwest dishes, as a sandwich spread, or enjoyed with some chicken taquitos.
Any leftover avocado sauce may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
What To Serve With Cajun Shrimp Tacos
I always say there is no 'wrong way' to serve a taco and how you top them is totally customizable.
I love to serve tacos of any kind with some warmed beans. I used refried black beans, but you can use regular black beans, refried or regular pinto beans, or any beans of choice.
To keep this recipe gluten free I opted for corn tortillas but you can use flour if gluten is not an issue for you. You can also use tostadas in place of tortillas if you prefer.
- Heat 1 can of black beans or beans of choice.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave or stove top.
- Spread some of the warmed black beans onto a warmed tortilla. Top with desired amount of Cajun shrimp and avocado sauce.
- Garnish with toppings of choice, such as chopped greens, diced bell peppers, radishes, chopped mangoes or garnishes of choice.
Rice is a great side dish for tacos. Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice is perfect served with Cajun Shrimp Tacos.
Tacos are delicious paired with a crunchy cabbage slaw or kohlrabi slaw or salads like this black bean corn salad.
For a tasty beverage, check out this Mango Mojito Mocktail or Strawberry Mojito Mocktail.
Here are some more great toppings:
- Mango Salsa
- Pickled Onions
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo
- Hot Sauce
- Poblano Avocado Sauce
- Cashew Cilantro Sauce
Love tacos? Check out these recipes!
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
- Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Sweet Potato Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Roasted Veggie Tacos
Looking For More Cajun Recipes? Don't Miss These!
Whole Roasted Cajun Chicken
Crockpot Jambalaya
Cajun Dirty Rice
Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ⅓ cup sour cream full fat
- 2 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup cilantro minced
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice equals 1-2 large limes
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2-3 Tbsp. water
For The Shrimp Tacos:
- 1 lb. shrimp thawed and peeled
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2-3 tsp. Cajun seasoning depending on spice preference
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp. pepper
- 1 can refried black beans or beans of choice
- 5 corn tortillas or flour if not gluten free
- toppings such as lettuce or greens, bell peppers, radishes, diced mangoes optional
Instructions
For The Avocado Crema:
- Cut one large ripe avocado in half, remove and discard the pit, and scoop the avocado into a food processor.Remove the skins and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic.Roughly chop ⅓ cup of fresh cilantro.Squeeze the juice of 1-2 limes until you have 3 Tbsp. of lime juice.
- Add the ⅓ cup of full fat sour cream, chopped garlic, cilantro, and 3 Tbsp. of lime juice to the food processor along with 2 Tbsp. of water and ¼ tsp. of kosher salt.Puree the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Add 1 Tbsp. or more of water if needed until the mixture has reached your desired consistency.
For The Shrimp Tacos:
- Thaw (if frozen) 1 lb. of shrimp. Remove the shells if needed once thawed and devein and remove the shells if fresh. Discard the veins and shrimp shells.
- Place the shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels and place another paper towel on top of the shrimp to absorb any excess water.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Place a large skillet on the stove top and heat to medium-high. Once heated, add 2 Tbsp. of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet along with 2-3 tsp. of Cajun seasoning, ¼ tsp. of kosher salt and ⅛ tsp. of pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on the first side.Flip the shrimp and add the minced garlic to the skillet.
- Sauté for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the garlic fragrant.Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Heat 1 can of refried black beans (or beans of choice) in a small pan on the stove top according to package instructions.
- To Serve: Spread some of the beans onto a warmed tortilla. Top with the sauteed Cajun shrimp and drizzle with desired amount of avocado sauce. Garnish with fresh veggies, fruit, salsa, or hot sauce (optional).
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