Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Shrimp tacos are a quick, delicious option for lunch or dinner. With juicy grilled shrimp and fresh toppings, they are perfect for fish lovers. This easy recipe is not only flavorful but also simple, so even beginner cooks can enjoy making them. Enjoy the fresh tastes of summer with these shrimp tacos any time of year!
Why Make This Recipe
Shrimp tacos are a great choice for several reasons. They are healthy, light, and packed with protein. The grilled shrimp adds a smoky flavor, while the fresh toppings create a balance of crunch and freshness. Plus, this recipe is easy to follow and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it is a meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Making grilled shrimp tacos is simple and fun! Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the spices and oil. The shrimp should be well-seasoned for the best flavor.
- Preheat the Grill:
- As you prepare the shrimp, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you a nice sear on the shrimp, locking in the juicy flavors.
- Skewer the Shrimp:
- For easier grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers. This will make them easier to handle on the grill. You can use wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- While the shrimp are cooking, take some small corn tortillas and warm them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. This will help make them soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- After removing the shrimp from the grill, take the skewers off the shrimp. Place a few pieces of grilled shrimp on each tortilla.
- Top with Fresh Ingredients:
- Add shredded cabbage for crunch, diced tomatoes for freshness, and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for flavor. You can add any other toppings you love, like avocado or jalapeños.
- Serve:
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the tacos for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
When serving grilled shrimp tacos, you can make it a fun and lively meal. Present the tacos on a large platter or individual plates. You can leave the toppings on the side, allowing everyone to customize their tacos to their taste. Serve with a refreshing side like Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad. Cold drinks, such as soda or fresh fruit juice, pair nicely with the flavors of the tacos.
How to Store Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately to keep everything fresh. Place the grilled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. The cabbage, tomatoes, and cilantro should also be stored in their own containers. Corn tortillas can be wrapped in foil for storage.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat the shrimp on the grill or in a pan until warmed through, then assemble the tacos with the fresh toppings. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.
Tips to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Use Fresh Shrimp:
- Fresh, high-quality shrimp makes a big difference in flavor. If possible, try to get shrimp that has been wild-caught, as it usually tastes better.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp:
- Shrimp cooks quickly. Keep an eye on them while grilling to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Flavor Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with the spices! Adding a bit of lime zest or cayenne pepper can create a new flavor profile.
- Customize Your Toppings:
- Add your favorite toppings! Sliced avocado, diced red onion, or even a drizzle of yogurt or sour cream can enhance the tacos.
- Consider a Sauce:
- A chipotle sauce or avocado crema can take these tacos to the next level!
Variation
If you want to switch things up a bit, consider swapping the shrimp for another protein, like chicken or fish. You can marinate the chicken in the same spice mix before grilling. Alternatively, you could also try using grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version, keeping the spices in mind for flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
2. What can I serve with shrimp tacos?
Shrimp tacos pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
3. How do I know if shrimp are cooked?
Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They should also form a “C” shape when fully cooked.
4. Can I make the tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp and toppings ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble them fresh to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
5. How spicy are these tacos?
The level of spiciness can vary based on how much chili powder you use. Adjust the amount to your taste preference. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Enjoy making and eating these easy grilled shrimp tacos! They are sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Print
Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious grilled shrimp tacos topped with fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the spices and oil.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easier grilling.
- Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Remove the skewers from the shrimp and place a few pieces of grilled shrimp on each tortilla.
- Add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro on top.
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to maintain their texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg