The Juiciest Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe for Summer Nights

These delectable summer shrimp tacos burst with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make you the neighborhood grill master.

Zesty lime and smoky spices create a mouthwatering marinade that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Fresh ingredients dance across warm tortillas, promising a delightful meal in minutes.

Crisp cilantro and tangy slaw add vibrant texture that complements perfectly grilled shrimp.

Weeknight dinners never looked so impressive or tasted this incredible.

Grab your apron and let these tacos become your new culinary adventure.

Why Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Are A Summer Must

• Speedily Customize Your Meal: Swap ingredients easily to match personal taste preferences, making these shrimp tacos a versatile dinner option that adapts to what you have in your kitchen.
• Quickly Prepare Weeknight Dinner: The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families wanting a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Marinating shrimp with multiple spices creates a bold, restaurant-style taste that elevates a simple taco into a gourmet experience without complex cooking techniques.
• Celebrate Effortless Entertaining: These tacos are impressive enough for guests but simple enough to make for a casual family dinner, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that looks and tastes sophisticated.

Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos FAQs

• Why marinate shrimp before grilling?

Marinating adds incredible flavor and helps keep the shrimp tender. The combination of lime juice, spices, and oil infuses delicious taste while preventing the shrimp from becoming dry during cooking.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. Make sure to remove the shell and devein if not already done by the supplier.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook shrimp in a hot skillet or grill pan. The key is high heat and quick cooking to keep the shrimp juicy and prevent overcooking.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

What You’ll Need For Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that absorbs marinade beautifully. Wild-caught or large/jumbo sizes work best for grilling.

• Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Helps tenderize shrimp and adds bright, zesty flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and complementary flavor to seafood.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Warm spices that create a balanced, slightly spicy seasoning blend.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste profile.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that can be quickly warmed on grill. Fresh tortillas preferred for best texture.
• Cabbage/Slaw: Adds crunch and freshness to balance grilled shrimp.
• Avocado: Creamy element that provides rich, smooth contrast to spicy marinade.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbaceous notes to the taco.
• Lime: Provides final citrusy brightness and helps cut through richness.

How To Cook Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Craft Zesty Shrimp Marinade

• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper

Gently toss raw shrimp in the vibrant marinade, ensuring each morsel gets coated. Let the flavors mingle for 10-15 minutes while prepping other ingredients.

Step 2: Fire Up The Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Carefully thread marinated shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Place shrimp directly on clean, oiled grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp transform into a beautiful pink color and become opaque.

Step 3: Toast Soft Tortillas

Quickly warm corn or flour tortillas on the grill’s edge. Flip after 20-30 seconds to achieve light char marks and soft, pliable texture.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

• Creamy sauce
• Crisp shredded cabbage
• Perfectly grilled shrimp
• Sliced ripe avocado
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Bright lime squeeze

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Plate tacos immediately. Offer extra sauce and lime wedges for personalized garnishing. Bon appétit!

Top Tips For Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let shrimp soak in the zesty blend for exactly 10-15 minutes to infuse maximum flavor without making the seafood tough or rubbery.
• Prevent Shrimp Stick Prevention: Lightly oil grill grates or use a grill mat to ensure shrimp don't tear or break during cooking, keeping them perfectly intact.
• Quick Tortilla Technique: Warm tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility and develop a subtle smoky char, which adds depth to the overall taco experience.
• Seafood Swap Strategy: Replace shrimp with grilled fish like mahi-mahi or tilapia for a delicious alternative that works equally well with the same marinade and cooking method.
• Fresh Finish Finesse: Add a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime just before serving to brighten flavors and create a restaurant-quality presentation.

How To Store Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Refrigerate leftover grilled shrimp tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Separate wet ingredients like sauce and avocado from tortillas to prevent sogginess.
• Keep shrimp and toppings stored separately for best texture and flavor.
• Reheat tortillas quickly on a skillet or grill for a fresh-tasting meal when ready to enjoy again.

Tasty Matches With Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Boost Beverage Pairing: Grab a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a zesty margarita to complement the bright, spicy shrimp flavors. The cold drink will perfectly balance the grilled seafood's warmth.
• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a light, refreshing white wine such as sauvignon blanc or albariño. These wines offer citrusy notes that match the lime and chili seasonings in the shrimp marinade.
• Create Sidekick Salsa: Prepare a fresh pineapple salsa with diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. This fruity accompaniment adds a sweet-spicy punch that elevates the grilled shrimp's robust profile.
• Recommend Cooling Companion: Whip up a quick Mexican-style cucumber agua fresca to soothe the palate. Its crisp, hydrating qualities will cool down the spicy elements of the taco and provide a refreshing contrast.

Ways To Change Up Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Spicy Mango Fusion: Blend fresh mango chunks into the marinade for a tropical kick. Add diced jalapeños to increase heat and complement the sweet mango flavor. Garnish with mango salsa for extra zest.
• Coconut Crunch Tacos: Replace olive oil with coconut milk in the marinade. Toast shredded coconut and sprinkle over tacos for added texture. Use coconut-lime crema as a creamy sauce replacement.
• Smoky Chipotle Edition: Swap chili powder with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deeper, smokier profile. Mix Greek yogurt with chipotle sauce for a tangy-spicy drizzle. Garnish with charred corn kernels for extra smokiness.
• Mediterranean Seafood Style: Use za'atar seasoning instead of traditional spices. Add crumbled feta cheese and sliced cucumber. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired taco experience.

Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Grilled Shrimp Tacos bring Mexican coastal flavors dancing across each crisp tortilla, blending smoky seafood with zesty toppings. Spicy, fresh ingredients create an irresistible meal that makes outdoor dining feel like a seaside celebration for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) chili powder
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) lime juice

Taco Components:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges

Optional Sauce:

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) hot sauce or sriracha
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Add raw shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors for 10-15 minutes while preparing other components.
3. Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface for optimal shrimp searing.
4. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers or carefully place them directly on the grill grates to prevent falling through.
5. Grill shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a pink color and opaque texture indicating they are fully cooked.
6. Meanwhile, warm tortillas by briefly grilling them for 20-30 seconds per side, developing slight char marks and enhancing their flexibility.
7. Construct tacos by spreading a thin layer of sauce on each warm tortilla as a flavor base.
8. Layer shredded cabbage or slaw onto the tortillas, creating a crunchy foundation.
9. Arrange grilled shrimp atop the cabbage, ensuring even distribution.
10. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.
11. Serve tacos immediately, accompanied by additional sauce and lime wedges for personalized flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Elevate the marinade by adding a splash of tequila or orange juice for deeper flavor complexity.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential flame-ups.
• Choose corn tortillas for a more authentic taste and naturally gluten-free option that holds up better to grilling.
• Swap shrimp with firm white fish like halibut or cod for a protein alternative that maintains similar cooking techniques.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg