blackened cajun shrimp tacos

After a 9 1/2 hour work day with an hour plus commute home, somehow I still find time and energy to cook dinner. Blame it on my belief that a nutritious dinner and family time together is both essential and valuable.

During the weeknights, I try to plan meals that are quick, healthy, and delicious. Tonight I made these blackened cajun shrimp tacos. They were so simple and enjoyed by everyone. The spice mix is super easy; in fact you may already have all of the seasonings in your spice cabinet. Just throw those spices in a plastic bag, add the shrimp and shake. The shrimp quickly cooks in a heated pan, coated with cooking spray. You are going to love this low calorie, trouble-free and delicious meal.

My family loves the shrimp tacos from Reel Inn located in Malibu. What they love most about their shrimp tacos is the melted cheese between the tortillas that holds the shrimp. I did the same for my blackened Cajun shrimp tacos. However, you can omit the melted cheese tortillas for an even more low calorie meal.  Tonight’s tacos were such a hit, I’m not sure how I can top this meal tomorrow night.

Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1- teaspoon ground cumin
• 1- teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4- teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4- teaspoon salt
• Cooking Spray
• 16 6-inch tortillas
• 8 tablespoons cheddar cheese
• 1 ripe avocado peeled and roughly mashed

Instructions:

1. Combine seasonings in a large zip-top plastic bag. 
2. Add shrimp to bag; seal and shake well to coat. Remove shrimp.
3. Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. 
4. Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes per side until done.
5. Heat a flat grill or large frying pan. 
6. Heat 4 tortillas for approximately 1 minute. Flip and add cheese, top each cheese topped tortilla with another tortilla. Flip and cook until cheese is melted. Repeat.
7. Add mashed avocado to tortillas, top with shrimp and pico de gallo or salsa.