Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and fresh way to enjoy shrimp. The shrimp are marinated in a citrusy herb-infused blend of lime garlic and spices then grilled to a perfect char. Paired with vibrant toppings like crunchy cabbage creamy avocado and a zesty lime sauce these tacos are perfect for a light dinner a weekend cookout or taco night. Their smoky tangy flavor will have you coming back for more!
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marinating time)
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Tacos:
8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
1/2 avocado sliced
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice (for sauce)
Salsa or hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
Instructions:
Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl combine olive oil lime juice chili powder cumin garlic powder salt and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together.
Grill the Shrimp: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using skewers thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp cook quickly.
Prepare the Toppings: While the shrimp are grilling prepare the toppings. Shred the lettuce or cabbage dice the tomatoes slice the red onion and cut the avocado into thin slices. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Lime Sauce: In a small bowl combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will add a creamy tangy touch to your tacos.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Place a layer of shredded lettuce or cabbage in each tortilla then add 3-4 grilled shrimp on top. Top with diced tomatoes red onion slices and avocado slices. Drizzle with the creamy lime sauce and add salsa or hot sauce if desired.
Serve: Serve the tacos immediately garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
Tips:
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery. Grill them for no more than 3 minutes per side.
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 15-20 minutes is usually enough time, if you have extra time, marinate the shrimp for 30-60 minutes for a deeper flavor profile.
Grill the Shrimp with Skewers: For easy flipping and to prevent the shrimp from falling through the grill grates, use skewers. You can also use a grill basket if you don’t have skewers.
Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas helps make them more pliable and flavorful. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
Toppings Matter: Fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges really elevate the taco. Don’t skip the extras—they balance the smoky shrimp perfectly!
Variations:
Spicy Shrimp: Add more heat to the marinade by increasing the chili powder or adding cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mixture.
Mango Salsa: Add a tropical touch by topping the tacos with a sweet mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime, and a pinch of salt.
Chipotle Lime Sauce: For a smoky kick, blend some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into your creamy lime sauce. This adds a smoky depth to the flavor.
Grilled Veggie Tacos: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn as a topping for added texture and flavor.
Shrimp and Fish Combo: Combine grilled shrimp with grilled fish like mahi-mahi or tilapia for a mixed seafood taco. The fish can be marinated in a similar way to the shrimp.
Cabbage Slaw: Instead of shredded lettuce, try a tangy cabbage slaw with shredded red cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and a touch of vinegar for added crunch and freshness.
Cauliflower Tacos: For a vegetarian version, grill seasoned cauliflower florets or roasted cauliflower in place of the shrimp for a smoky and hearty taco option.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Q&A
Q: Can I make the shrimp ahead of time? A: It’s best to cook the shrimp fresh, but you can prepare the toppings and sauce in advance.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? A: Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: How do I know when the shrimp are done? A: They should turn pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape when cooked.
Nutrition (Per Serving, 2 Tacos)
Calories: ~250-300 kcal
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 12-15g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 450-600mg
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and healthy choice for a quick and satisfying meal. With a balance of smoky shrimp fresh toppings and a creamy lime sauce these tacos offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors. The recipe is versatile allowing you to add your own twist with different sauces or toppings to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just looking for a light dinner option Grilled Shrimp Tacos will be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your recipe rotation!