Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Blackened Shrimp Tacos are bold, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Inspired by Cajun and Tex-Mex cuisine, these tacos feature juicy shrimp coated in a homemade blackening spice blend and quickly seared until perfectly charred on the outside while remaining tender inside. Paired with warm tortillas and fresh toppings, blackened shrimp tacos strike the perfect balance between spicy, savory, and refreshing.

What makes this dish stand out is how fast and flavorful it is. In just minutes, you can transform simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality taco filling. The contrast of the smoky shrimp with crisp slaw, creamy sauces, and bright citrus makes every bite exciting and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Blackened Shrimp Tacos recipe because it delivers bold, restaurant-style flavor in a surprisingly quick and simple way. The blackening spices create a smoky, slightly spicy crust on the shrimp that makes every bite exciting, while the shrimp itself stays juicy and tender. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without requiring a lot of time or effort.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Bold, smoky Cajun-style flavor
• Quick cooking time
• Fresh and satisfying balance of heat and freshness
• Perfect for taco nights or gatherings
• Easily customizable for spice level

Time, Servings, and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Approximate Calories: 360–420 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Blackened Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Tacos and Toppings

• 8–12 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

Optional Sauce

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Toss shrimp with oil and blackening seasoning.
2. Sear shrimp in a hot skillet until charred and cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and place in a bowl. Add oil and all seasoning ingredients. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until blackened and opaque. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Sauce (Optional): Mix sour cream, lime juice, honey, and salt in a small bowl.
5. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry pan or wrapped in foil in the oven.
6. Assemble Tacos: Fill tortillas with shrimp, add slaw, avocado, cilantro, and drizzle with sauce.
7. Finish: Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Save it

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Blackened Shrimp Tacos immediately while hot. Pair them with Mexican rice, corn salad, black beans, or tortilla chips and salsa. They’re perfect for taco nights, casual dinners, or summer gatherings.

Recipe Tips

• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best blackened crust.
• Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing.
• Adjust cayenne for desired spice level.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help spices adhere.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Blackened Shrimp Taco Bowl: Serve shrimp over rice with toppings.
2. Creamy Slaw Version: Toss cabbage with lime crema before adding to tacos.
3. Grilled Blackened Shrimp: Grill shrimp instead of pan-searing for smoky flavor.
4. Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
5. Mango Blackened Shrimp Tacos: Add mango salsa for sweet contrast.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Special Equipment Needed

• Cast-iron or heavy skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Conclusion

Blackened Shrimp Tacos are a bold, flavorful dish that delivers smoky heat and fresh balance in every bite. Quick to prepare and packed with Cajun-inspired flavor, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. Once you try these tacos, they’re sure to become a regular favorite on your menu.