Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa! Bursting with bold flavors and a perfect blend of spices, this dish will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a feast that will impress your friends and family, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a deliciously smoky, spicy shrimp taco that’s perfectly complemented by creamy avocado salsa. Your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the avocado salsa by combining diced avocado, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Gently mix and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels to ensure proper blackening and prevent steaming.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the shrimp, thoroughly coating each piece. Ensure all shrimp are well-seasoned by gently tossing them in the spice mix.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until it's smoking hot. This is crucial for achieving the authentic blackened exterior.
- Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn deep golden-brown with dark edges and are just cooked through.
- Warm the tortillas briefly in a separate skillet or directly over a gas flame to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable.
- Assemble tacos by placing blackened shrimp in each tortilla and topping generously with the fresh avocado salsa.
- Serve immediately, with extra lime wedges on the side for additional brightness.
Tips
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for wild-caught shrimp if possible; they have a better texture and flavor compared to farmed shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Blackening: Don’t skip the step of patting the shrimp dry. This helps achieve that sought-after charred exterior without steaming.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you're sensitive to heat, feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. You can even make your own blend for a milder flavor.
- Use a Hot Skillet: Ensure your skillet is smoking hot before adding the shrimp. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic blackened crust that makes these tacos so special.
- Warm the Tortillas: Take a moment to warm your tortillas in a skillet or over a flame. This not only enhances their flavor but also makes them more pliable for easy folding.
- Let the Salsa Sit: Allow the avocado salsa to sit for a few minutes after mixing. This lets the flavors meld together, creating a more delicious topping for your tacos.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens the flavors of the shrimp and salsa, making every bite even more delightful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
