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Flavorful Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Slaw

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A quick and easy recipe for smoky, spicy blackened shrimp tacos paired with a fresh, tangy cilantro lime slaw. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (dairy-free mayo optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, pickled onions, crumbled queso fresco or feta

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne, and salt to make the blackened seasoning.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and toss in the seasoning mix until evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When oil shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer.
  6. Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side until blackened and opaque. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, topping with cilantro lime slaw and optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Adjust heat to maintain a steady sizzle without burning. Warm tortillas while shrimp cook to save time. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. For vegan slaw, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened shrimp tacos, cilantro lime slaw, shrimp tacos, easy seafood tacos, quick dinner, spicy shrimp, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/flavorful-blackened-shrimp-tacos-recipe-with-easy-cilantro-lime-slaw/