Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

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Total Time 20 minutes

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Don’t even think about getting takeout tonight when you can make these Shrimp Tacos with Slaw in just 20 minutes. Chock full of honey buttered shrimp with Cajun seasoning and topped with a creamy taco slaw, you won’t ever think of tacos the same way again. 

For more recipes featuring tacos, check out my popular posts for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos, Slow Cooker Pork Tacos, and Chicken Taco Marinade

close up of a shrimp taco with slaw in a taco holder with more tacos on the sides.

Hi friends! You know what, it’s winter. It’s winter and today I’m over it. So, to combat that, I’ve decided to pretend like it’s summer, or spring at the very least. And what that means is that I’m foregoing the comfort food in favor of something spicy, something savory, something I’d want to eat out on the deck with the sun in my face and friends and family talking and laughing and…well, I’m not sure if this little scenario of mine is making me happy or sad at this point. 

What that run-on sentence all meant to say is that, I guess, I’m trying to will my way into some warmth and if I have to start with Cajun shrimp tacos, then so be it. I think if you try these, you’ll also find yourself pining for summer, or pretending it’s summer or maybe just happy that you’re able to stuff your face with a fabulous shrimp taco. I don’t know. I think I’m delirious from the (pretend) sun. 

shrimp tacos with slaw in taco holders.

Here’s What You’ll Need

The ingredients list is super simple! Are you ready for this (you probably don’t even need to write this down/print it out even). 

  • Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Butter
  • Honey
  • Cajun seasoning (see below for DIY)
  • Flour or corn tortilla
  • Cabbage slaw
  • Lime juice 
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sat
  • Sugar
  • Cilantro 

Here’s How You Make It

I know, I almost always say that the directions for making my recipes are easy but really, truly, this is about as easy as it could possibly get. Are you ready? Here goes! 

  1. First, you prepare the slaw by stirring together mayo, lime juice, salt, sugar, and cilantro and pour it over the shredded cabbage slaw. Toss to combine, cover, and chill till you’re ready to top these Shrimp Tacos with Slaw.
  2. Next, get your shrimp together because we’re going to cook it up in that delicious seasoning. First, melt butter in a large skillet set at medium heat. Stir the honey and Cajun seasoning into the butter, then add the shrimp and stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until opaque. 
  3. Now it’s time to put the whole shebang together. Grab a tortilla, add 3-4 shrimp, depending on their size, and top with creamy cabbage slaw. Yep, it’s that easy!  
close up top view of shrimp tacos with slaw in taco holders with lime slices on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make Your Own Cajun Seasoning?

To say I’m slightly obsessed with Cajun seasoning would be an understatement. I use it on just about everything I can, from Cajun shrimp and rice, to Cajun salmon, and even with sausage and cabbage
Like Italian seasoning, I like to have a bunch of my one DIY Cajun seasoning on hand for when I’m overcome with the need for a spicy, flavorful dish (ahem, Cajun Shrimp Tacos). 
Wanna make it too? Let’s do this.

DIY Cajun Seasoning:

2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried Italian herb seasoning
2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika 
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

What Toppings are Good for Shrimp Tacos?

Typically, I like to pile on the taco toppings whenever I get the chance. But, I think these speak for themselves, pretty simply and deliciously. I have topped them before though with a few ingredients that I think play rather well with the shrimp and the slaw, like: 

– Crumbled Queso Fresco
– Cilantro
– Avocado slices
– Thinly sliced fresh or jarred jalapeños
– Hot sauce
– Guacamole
– Sour cream (or Creme Fraiche)
– Chopped, fresh tomato
– Finely diced red onion
– Squeeze of lime juice 

What is the Difference Between Coleslaw and Slaw?

The main difference between coleslaw and just plain slaw has to do with the cabbage. Coleslaw is basically a cabbage salad. It can mean one or many varieties of cabbage thinly shredded in the same bag that you’d then add a dressing to. 
Just plain “slaw” can feature cabbage, but can also feature just about any veggies you can shred or jullienne and put in a bag, like carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and snow peas. 
Either variety will work in this recipe with the slaw dressing, so you decide which you like best.

top view of shrimp tacos with coleslaw in taco holders.

More Tasty Tacos Recipes

Did you make these scrumptious shrimp tacos? Awesome! Please rate the recipe below!  

up close shrimp tacos
5 from 32 votes

Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Don't even think about getting takeout tonight when you can make these Shrimp Tacos with Slaw in just 20 minutes. Chock full of honey buttered shrimp with Cajun seasoning and topped with a creamy taco slaw, you won't ever think of tacos the same way again. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, see note for DIY
  • 8 6-inch flour or corn tortillas

Creamy taco slaw

  • 3 cups cabbage slaw
  • juice of 1 lime, about 1 tablespoon
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions 

Prepare the slaw

  • Stir together mayo, lime . juice, salt, sugar, and cilantro. Pour over cabbage slaw and toss to combine. Cover and chill until ready to use.

Prepare the shrimp

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in honey and cajun seasoning.
  • Add shrimp and stir over medium heat 3-5 minutes until opaque.

Put it all together

  • Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with shrimp and topping with creamy cabbage slaw. Serve immediately.

Notes

DIY Cajun Seasoning: stir together 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika or smoked paprika, 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 146mg | Sodium: 651mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a star rating or comment below!
Tiffany of Creme de la Crumb in the kitchen

Welcome!

Hey there, I’m Tiffany – chef, photographer, mother, and avid taco eater. I am passionate about turning simple flavors and ingredients into tasty meals the whole family will love, with minimal prep and cleanup so there’s more time to spend eating and enjoying. Stay awhile, and help yourself to a taco or two!

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5 from 32 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




16 Comments

  1. Susanne Lopez says:

    5 stars
    Simple and delicious!

  2. JENNIFER says:

    5 stars
    I cook a lot, home pro here, and this recipe nails it!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Thanks so much for your positive review, Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed this recipe so much.

  3. Ben says:

    5 stars
    Amazing!

  4. Shannon says:

    5 stars
    Fantastic! Everyone in the family loved it which is saying a lot

    1. Tiffany says:

      So happy to hear that! Way to go!

  5. Cece says:

    5 stars
    Can you make salmon tacos with this as well?

    1. Tiffany says:

      For sure!

  6. Ida Sanchez says:

    5 stars
    Simple and so good. I only put one teaspoon of cajun seasoning because my husband does not like spicy. The slaw was very good too!

  7. Annie Youssoufian says:

    5 stars
    Big hit with the family!

    1. Tiffany says:

      So happy to hear that!! Thank you for your positive feedback, Annie!

  8. Carrie says:

    5 stars
    So good, and so easy! Filing this in my regular weeknight rotation…

    1. Tiffany says:

      So happy to hear that!

  9. Jazz says:

    5 stars
    I was happy to find this RECIPE online, fast and easy. and yes add honey at the end. I drizzled mine on top and it pairs so nicely with cajun seasoning.

    1. Tiffany says:

      I bet that was fantastic! I will definitely have to try that.

  10. Jessica says:

    My honey harden when cooking the shrimp ….what did i do wrong?….should i have waited til the last minute to ADD THE HONEY?