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Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe Easy Homemade with Zesty Mango Slaw

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These blackened shrimp tacos with zesty mango slaw are a quick, flavorful meal combining smoky, crispy shrimp with a sweet and tangy tropical slaw. Ready in about 25 minutes, they are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off (wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and julienned or diced
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Make the Mango Slaw: In a medium bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, mango, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly. Chill while you cook the shrimp.
  3. Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp in the blackening spice blend until evenly coated on all sides.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer without crowding. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until crusty and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  5. Warm the Tortillas: Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven for a few minutes to make them pliable.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Place a handful of mango slaw on each tortilla, top with 3-4 shrimp, and add optional toppings like avocado slices or queso fresco. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for a crisp crust. Preheat pan well but avoid burning spices. Make slaw up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent breaking. For a creamier slaw, add Greek yogurt or mayo. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level. Grilling shrimp is a great alternative to pan-searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened shrimp tacos, mango slaw, easy shrimp tacos, quick dinner, seafood tacos, homemade tacos, spicy shrimp, tropical slaw