Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos offer a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender shrimp marinated in zesty spices and lime, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas make for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large, deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for marinating)
• 1 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tsp cumin (adds earthy flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (essential for savory flavor)
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
• 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp pepper (for seasoning)
• 8 pieces tortillas (flour or corn, flour preferred)
• Toppings to taste (shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, cilantro)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss well to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat your grill to medium-high. If using a grill pan, ensure it’s hot before cooking.
3. Step 3: Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn opaque and have grill marks.
4. Step 4: While the shrimp cooks, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them on the grill for a few minutes or heat them in a skillet until soft and hot.
5. Step 5: Assemble the tacos by placing the grilled shrimp on the warmed tortillas and topping with shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, and cilantro. Add an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired for a zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and a more traditional taco experience.
• To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking; shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long on the grill.
• Try adding a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce to add richness and a cooling contrast to the spices.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep tortillas separately wrapped to prevent sogginess. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave, and warm tortillas before serving. It’s best to assemble tacos fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spiciness depends on the amount of chili powder used. You can reduce or increase it according to your preference for milder or hotter tacos.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 79 reviews

These Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Juicy shrimp marinated in a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime juice are grilled to perfection, then wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, and cilantro. Ideal for seafood lovers seeking a tasty, slightly spicy taco experience in under 40 minutes.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Marinade

• 1 lb large, deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for marinating)
• 1 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tsp cumin (adds earthy flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (essential for savory flavor)
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
• 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp pepper (for seasoning)

Tortillas and Toppings

• 8 pieces tortillas (flour or corn, flour preferred)
• To taste toppings: shredded cabbage
• To taste toppings: avocado, sliced or diced
• To taste toppings: salsa
• To taste toppings: cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until fully blended to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. Cover and let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready to cook. Proper heat ensures good searing and grill marks.
4. Grill the Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp on the grill, spreading them out so they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and develop nice grill marks.
5. Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are grilling, wrap the tortillas in foil and place them on the grill for a few minutes to warm through, or alternatively, warm them in a skillet until pliable and soft.
6. Assemble the Tacos: Place the grilled shrimp inside each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, salsa, and fresh cilantro to taste. Optionally, squeeze extra lime juice on top for an added zesty kick.

Notes

• For milder tacos, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it.
• Fresh lime juice is key for brightness; avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
• You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or fish fillets.
• Grilling shrimp quickly prevents them from becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version and to add authentic flavor.

Keywords: shrimp tacos, grilled shrimp, spicy shrimp tacos, Mexican tacos, seafood tacos, quick dinner