When you bite into this taco, you’ll get a little bit of a spice from the shrimp seasoning and a combination of sweetness and tanginess from the slaw!
Blackened Seasoning: A Mix of Dried Herbs and Spices
Blackened seasoning is a mix of dried herbs and spices for a rub that gives meats a nice, charred look when you brown them. Plus, the flavor is delicious with a bit of spicy kick and earthy flavors from the thyme and oregano. Blackened seasoning is typically made with oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of sugar. It is a versatile spice blend that can be used on chicken, pork, or seafood! Our family favorite is using this on shrimp and fish served on a bed or rice, pasta, or salads.
Use Frozen Shrimp for These Blackened Shrimp Tacos!
My friends, we are all about less stress and more joy here, so we are using frozen shrimp—I think shopping for ingredients you can find at any grocery store makes dinner a breeze. The best thing about buying frozen shrimp? You can choose ones that come deveined, cleaned, and peeled, which saves so much time. Also, you can thaw your shrimp the same day (which is helpful for those weeknights when you forget to put it in the fridge the night before). Just put the frozen shrimp in a large bowl of cold water while you prep your other ingredients. I promise it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to defrost. If you happen to live near a fish market and want to use fresh shrimp, feel free (there will be additional prep time to account for the cleaning).
Blackened Shrimp Taco Variations
Tortillas: Store-bought work wonders during busy weeknights, but if you prefer homemade, feel free to go that route too. You can also use flour tortillas instead of corn. Seasoning: If blackened seasoning is unavailable, you can buy or make your own Cajun seasoning. It has similar flavors but may be a tad bit spicier.
What to Serve With Blackened Shrimp Tacos?
These tacos go great with this grilled Mexican street corn. Another good side dish is this Arroz Verde (Mexican green rice). If you have a sweet tooth like me, finish off this meal with some dessert—try our Mexican chocolate ice cream I delicious with hints of cinnamon and spice.
How to Store and Reheat
I recommended eating the assembled tacos the same day. If you have leftover shrimp or slaw, you can store in separate air-tight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it’s time to reheat the shrimp, microwave them for about 1 to 2 minutes until they heat through. Or you can place them in a nonstick pan with about a teaspoon of oil and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until they have heated through.
Even More Savory Shrimp Recipes!
Shrimp Scampi Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Hot Honey Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers Grilled Shrimp Taco Bowl
2 pounds extra-large shrimp (26-30 count), peeled, cleaned, and deveined 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt, if needed 8 corn or flour tortillas
For the cabbage slaw
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil
For serving
1/2 cup crumbled Mexican queso fresco 1/2 cup chopped cilantro Lime wedges
Cook, until the shrimp have slightly browned on the outside and they have cooked through turning pink throughout, flipping halfway through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!
