• Now that we have everything ready, let’s bring these shrimp tacos to life! Here’s a quick overview: we’ll season, cook, and assemble our tacos in just a few steps. Now, let’s break it down.

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp

• Begin by rinsing your shrimp under cold water. This helps to remove any residual grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel. You want the seasoning to stick well, and wet shrimp won’t help with that. In a mixing bowl, combine your drained shrimp with two tablespoons of olive oil, three and a half tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Toss them around until all shrimp are well-coated. This vibrant mix will create that signature blackened flavor!

Step 2: Heating the Skillet

• Heat a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot—this step is crucial. You want that sizzle when the shrimp hit the pan! Add a touch more olive oil, if needed, to make sure it coats the bottom of the pan evenly.

Step 3: Cooking Shrimp

• Once your skillet is hot enough, place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Allow them to cook without moving them around for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to see a beautiful crust forming. Flip them over and let them cook for another couple of minutes. The shrimp should look pink and opaque when done.

Step 4: Warming the Tortillas

• While the shrimp are cooking, it’s time to warm the tortillas. You can do this directly over the flame of a gas stove with tongs or on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds each side. This will make the tortillas pliable and enhance their flavor.

Step 5: Assembling the Tacos

• Now comes the fun part—assembly! Place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with that zesty cilantro-lime slaw—don’t skimp! Add your fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño (if you fancy it spicy), creamy avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco.

Step 6: Enjoy!

• Serve your tacos fresh off the skillet—there’s nothing quite like the contrast of hot shrimp and the cool toppings. Dig in and enjoy!