Go Back
Easy Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Hard Taco Shells photo

Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Homemade Hard Taco Shells

Flavorful Cajun-seasoned shrimp tucked into crispy homemade hard taco shells for a quick, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pounds uncooked shrimp peeled and deveined (preferably wild-caught)
  • 1 small red bell pepper sliced very thin
  • 1 small orange bell pepper sliced very thin
  • 1 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado diced for serving
  • shredded cheddar cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking rack or inverted muffin tin
  • small bowl or glass measuring cup
  • large heavy skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the oregano, thyme, basil, cayenne, creole seasoning, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt to make the spice mixture.
  3. Warm four tortillas at a time in the microwave for 1–2 minutes so they are pliable, then rub both sides lightly with some of the olive oil and sprinkle about 1/2–3/4 teaspoon of the spice mix on one side of each tortilla; reserve remaining spice mixture.
  4. Form the tortillas into taco shells by placing them over a taco mold or propping them between the inverted cups of a muffin tin; bake 5–7 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté 7–10 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the shrimp to the skillet along with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the reserved spice mixture and sauté about 4 minutes, just until the shrimp begin to turn opaque in the center. Transfer the shrimp to a small bowl.
  7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet if needed. Add the thinly sliced red and orange bell peppers and sauté about 5 minutes until slightly soft but still crisp.
  8. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes to the peppers and simmer 3–5 minutes, then return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine; simmer 1 more minute and adjust seasoning with up to 1 teaspoon more of the spice mixture if desired.
  9. Fill each baked taco shell with the shrimp and pepper mixture and top with shredded cheddar and diced avocado to serve.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas before shaping so they bend without tearing.
  • Reserve some spice mix to finish the shrimp for extra flavor.
  • If you don't have a taco mold, use an inverted muffin tin to shape shells.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.