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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- 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.
- Heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface for optimal shrimp searing.
- Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers or carefully place them directly on the grill grates to prevent falling through.
- Grill shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a pink color and opaque texture indicating they are fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, warm tortillas by briefly grilling them for 20-30 seconds per side, developing slight char marks and enhancing their flexibility.
- Construct tacos by spreading a thin layer of sauce on each warm tortilla as a flavor base.
- Layer shredded cabbage or slaw onto the tortillas, creating a crunchy foundation.
- Arrange grilled shrimp atop the cabbage, ensuring even distribution.
- Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.
- 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