Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Lime Slaw

Our Cajun Prawn Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa are a quick, healthy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

These Cajun prawn tacos are simple to prepare, light and packed with flavour. They make a perfect midweek dinner when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Why this Cajun prawn taco recipe works for dinner

  • A spicy prawn taco dinner is fast to cook—ready in minutes—making it ideal for busy evenings.
  • It’s flexible: add any vegetables you have on hand, like peppers, mushrooms or salad leaves, to use up the fridge.
  • If you need to stretch the meal, pair the tacos with a few simple sides for a heartier spread.
  • To save time, make the mango salsa ahead and simply sizzle the prawns and warm tortillas at dinner.

Equipment Needed

  • Chopping board and sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan and cooking spoon
  • Teaspoon and tablespoon

Ingredients

  • 400g raw king prawns
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 mango – peeled and cubed
  • 1 green pepper – diced
  • 1 red chilli – finely chopped
  • 2 vine tomatoes – deseeded and chopped
  • 1 bunch coriander – roughly chopped
  • 2 limes – 1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges
  • 1 Little Gem lettuce – shredded
  • 8 mini flour tortillas

How To Make Cajun Prawn Tacos

Step One – Make the mango salsa

  • In a bowl combine the mango, green pepper, red chilli, tomatoes, coriander and the juice of one lime. Season with salt and black pepper. Store in an airtight container until needed (can be made up to a day ahead).

Step Two – Cook the Cajun prawns

  • Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the prawns, sprinkle over the Cajun seasoning, season with salt and pepper and fry on high heat until pink and cooked through.

Step Three – Warm the tortillas

  • While the prawns cook, warm the flour tortillas according to the packet instructions.

Step Four – Assemble the tacos

  • Fill each warmed tortilla with shredded lettuce, top with the Cajun prawns and a spoonful of mango salsa. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if you like.

Find more quick and easy meals in our recipes collection.

What To Serve With Prawn Tacos

We often add a few simple sides to complete the meal.

Homemade Cajun prawn tacos with spicy mango salsa garnished with lime wedges and tomatoes.

For speed, serve the tacos with microwave rice, store-bought guacamole, salsa and cheesy nachos. If you want to go further, these Mexican-inspired sides work well:

white plate with pile of homemade guacamole alongside some lime halves
a paper cone of sweet potato wedges with lemon-y mayonnaise drizzled over them and chopped dill scattered over.
grey painted wooden IKEA footstool with white and purple enamel bowl on top filled with homemade veggie rice salad
Bean Salad made with borlotti beans, sweetcorn, celery, red pepper, salad onions and Italian dressing.
  • Guacamole with nachos – quick to make and much tastier than shop-bought.
  • Sweet potato wedges – oven-baked or air-fried for a crisp side.
  • Easy veggie rice – a healthy accompaniment to spicy prawns.
  • Bean salad – a fresh, protein-rich side.
  • Quinoa stuffed peppers – a filling, wholesome option.
  • Air fryer nachos – a fast, shareable side for busy nights.

Need ideas for fajita or taco sides? Try a variety of salads, rice dishes and roasted veg for an easy spread.

Make Cajun Prawn Tacos Your Way

Experiment with flavours and ingredients to suit your taste.

  • Swap prawns for shrimp or salmon strips.
  • Use breadcrumbed prawns for extra crunch.
  • Try different seasonings: fajita mix, curry paste, smoked paprika or chilli powder.
  • Skip tortillas and serve over rice or as a salad bowl with chunky guacamole.
  • Add more veggies like shredded red cabbage, stir-fried peppers or sliced avocado.

If you enjoy prawns, explore other seafood recipes for more dinner inspiration.

More Easy Mexican-Style Meal Ideas

If your family loves Mexican flavours, try these simple dishes too.

Mexican chicken thighs in an enamel roasting tin
homemade taco dogs - crusty rolls stuffed with hot dog sausages and topped with coleslaw, Mexican salsa and guacamole.
bowl of 20 minute beef and baked bean chilli alongside homemade guacamole and green salad
  • Mexican spiced chicken thighs – an easy traybake with rice and salad.
  • Taco dogs – hot dogs topped with guacamole, salsa and slaw.
  • Quick chilli con carne – a 30-minute weeknight lifesaver.
  • Spicy prawn rice – a 20-minute dish with bold Cajun flavours.
  • Cajun tuna – seared tuna steaks served with salad or chips.
  • Prawn fajitas – healthy and ready in about 20 minutes.
  • Fish finger tacos – a fast, kid-friendly taco option.

Discover more Mexican-inspired recipes to keep dinner interesting.

Need Family Meal Ideas?

Plan meals with simple weekly menus and printable plans to make weeknight cooking easier. There are hundreds of family-friendly recipes and easy dinner ideas to choose from.

For more easy dinner recipes and seafood ideas, explore the recipe collection.

cajun prawn tacos with mango salsa served on blue and white platter

Cajun Prawn Tacos

Yield:
Makes 8
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes

Easy meal idea – tasty prawn tacos with homemade spicy mango salsa

Ingredients

For the Cajun Prawns

  • 400g raw king prawns
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Mango Salsa

  • 1 mango – peeled and cubed
  • 1 green pepper – diced
  • 1 red chilli – finely chopped
  • 2 vine tomatoes – deseeded and diced
  • 1 small bunch coriander – roughly chopped
  • 1 lime – juiced

To Serve

  • 1 Little Gem lettuce – shredded
  • 1 lime – cut into 4 wedges
  • 8 mini flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Make the mango salsa: mix the mango, green pepper, red chilli, tomatoes, coriander and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper and store in an airtight container (can be made up to a day ahead).
  2. Cook the prawns: heat the oil in a frying pan, add the prawns, sprinkle over Cajun seasoning, season with salt and pepper and fry on high heat until pink and cooked through.
  3. Warm the tortillas according to packet instructions while the prawns cook.
  4. Assemble: place shredded lettuce in each tortilla, top with prawns and a spoonful of salsa, then serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 347Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 1227mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 21g

Nutritional content varies with ingredients and measurements; use these values as a guide and calculate precisely if you have specific dietary needs.

© Wendy Mallins
Cuisine: Mexican
/
Category: Dinner

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Save these prawn tacos for later and try more easy dinner recipes from the collection.

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