This Cajun Shrimp Tacos recipe is topped with a creamy cilantro lime avocado sauce. These gluten free skillet tacos are ready in 20 minutes!
It is my firm belief that you can never have too many fast and easy weeknight meals on hand and these Shrimp Tacos are just the thing when you want dinner on the table in no time at all.
Shrimp is a great ingredient when you're in a hurry because it cooks quickly. You can throw it in a skillet with some olive oil in spices and have a super flavorful dish in a matter of minutes.
I normally opt for the Southwest route with tacos and go for spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika but to change things up this time I grabbed the Cajun seasoning.
Cajun spices plus shrimp work together beautifully and even more so when topped with a cilantro lime avocado cream sauce. Lots of flavor and minimal effort equals a win in my book!
Jump to:
How To Make Avocado Sauce
Avocado crema sauce is one of those things that makes any dish taste just a little more delicious.
It makes a great topping for tacos or any Southwest or Tex Mex dish, a sandwich spread, or even a dip for chips or crackers.
Can Avocado Sauce Be Made Ahead?
This avocado sauce can be made as you prepare the shrimp tacos, a few hours beforehand, or even the day ahead.
If preparing the day ahead be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- To make the sauce add 1 ripe avocado to a food processor along with ½ cup sour cream, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup lime juice, ½ cup fresh cilantro, ¼ kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. water.
- Pulse all of these ingredients until completely combined.
If you find that the sauce is too thick you can add a 1-2 more Tbsp. of water and continue to pulse until it reach your desired consistency.
If you love avocado be sure to check out this Roasted Poblano Avocado Sauce, Sweet Potato Tacos with Avocado Salsa, Baked Chicken Taquitos, and Southwest Guacamole Burgers!
How To Make Cajun Shrimp Tacos
As far as tacos go these Cajun Shrimp Tacos are among the easiest out there.
I find that raw Easy Peel shrimp work best for this type of recipe. Unless you live on an ocean frozen raw shrimp is your best bet.
I find that frozen pre-cooked shrimp tends to get rubbery and instead choose to purchase frozen raw shrimp to thaw.
This recipe calls for 1 bag of frozen raw Easy Peel Shrimp (most bags range from 12-16 oz.).
- Thaw 1 bag of frozen shrimp, remove the peels, and discard.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Once the shrimp is thawed heat a skillet to medium-high. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil to the skillet.
- Once the oil is heated through add the garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the peeled shrimp to the pan.
- Saute for 2-3 minutes on the first side, flip, and add 2-3 tsp. Cajun seasoning and ¼ tsp. kosher salt and pepper.
- Saute for 1-2 minutes on the second side.
How Long Does Skillet Shrimp Take To Cook?
The key to fish and seafood is not to overcook it.
The shrimp generally takes 2-3 minutes per side to cook through. It becomes opaque once it is thoroughly cooked.
It's also important not to undercook it as undercooked fish and seafood is unsafe for consumption.
The safe internal temperature for shrimp is 145 degrees and can be measured with a food thermometer if you are unsure.
Love shrimp? Be sure to check out these recipes!
- Skillet Shrimp and Vegetables
- Mexican Shrimp Rice Bowls
- Vietnamese Shrimp Salad
- Garlicky Shrimp Risotto
What Is Cajun Seasoning Made Of?
The Cajun seasoning gives these tacos a distinct flavor that differs slightly from a more traditional Tex Mex or Mexican seasoning.
Cajun seasoning is a spice blend mainly used in Louisiana Cajun-style cooking to make dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. If you love Cajun seasoning, be sure to check out this Cajun Chicken Orzo!
It's consists of cayenne pepper, chili pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. The flavor is spicy, bold, and peppery.
You can adjust the amount according to your preferred spice level.
I used 2 tsp. with 1 12 oz. package of shrimp and found the spice level to be perfect (keep in mind that I'm a born and bred Minnesotan - the land where black pepper is considered 'spicy').
Make sure to use a brand that's gluten free if gluten is an issue for you.
It's always best to start with a small amount and add more if necessary. You can always add spice but not remove it.
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.
To keep this recipe gluten free I opted for corn tortillas but you can use flour if gluten is not an issue for you.
I serve them with black beans, diced tomatoes, lettuce, queso fresco cheese, and, of course, a heaping amount of creamy avocado sauce.
You can use any type of beans you like or leave them out altogether. Spanish rice or any type of rice dish makes a great pairing.
Feel free to top these shrimp tacos with any kind of fresh vegetables from diced bell peppers, radishes, or sliced onions. A homemade slaw like this Kohlrabi Slaw or Cilantro Lime Coleslaw are perfect toppings.
Pickled veggies, salsa, or hot sauce are also great options.
The great thing about tacos (other than the fact that they're delicious) is that you can serve them any way you like!
Love tacos? Check out these recipes!
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Pan Fried Fish Tacos
- Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos
- Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
- Roasted Veggie Tacos
- Skillet Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Looking For More Shrimp Taco Recipes? Don't Miss These!
Spicy Asian Shrimp Tacos
Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Sauce
Ingredients
For The Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup cilantro
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp. water
For The Shrimp Tacos:
- 1 bag raw frozen easy peel shrimp 12-16 oz. bag
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2-3 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 8 corn tortillas or flour if not gluten free
- ½ cup queso fresco cheese or cheese of choice
- Additional Toppings: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Radishes, Salsa, Hot Sauce optional
Instructions
For The Avocado Crema:
- Place 1 ripe avocado in a food processor along with ½ cup sour cream, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup lime juice, ½ cup fresh cilantro, ¼ kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. water.
- Pulse all of these ingredients until completely combined. Feel free to add more water if the sauce is too thick. Add a bit at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
For The Shrimp Tacos:
- Thaw 1 bag of easy peel shrimp (if frozen) completely and remove the peels once thawed. Discard the shrimp peels.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high on the stove top. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the thawed, peeled shrimp to the skillet and saute for 2-3 minutes on the first side. Flip the shrimp and add 2-3 tsp. of Cajun seasoning along with ¼ tsp. each of kosher salt and pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes on the second side. The shrimp are cooked once they are opaque and the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat can of black beans (or beans of choice) to serve with the tacos (optional).
- To Serve: Heat corn tortillas (or flour if not gf) and top with black beans (optional), sauteed shrimp, a generous amount of avocado crema, a sprinkling of queso fresco cheese (or cheese of choice), and fresh veggies like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro (optional).
Leave a Reply