Description
These Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and smoky spices, the shrimp are grilled to perfection and served with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese wrapped in warm tortillas. A drizzle of crema or chipotle mayo and a squeeze of lime finish off these delicious tacos bursting with bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream, chipotle mayo, or crema (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill surface to prevent the shrimp from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill carefully. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are opaque with nice grill marks. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas by placing them on the grill for about 30 seconds per side or heating them briefly in a skillet on the stovetop to make them pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay shredded lettuce on each warm tortilla. Top with grilled shrimp, diced red onion, tomatoes or pico de gallo, avocado slices, and shredded cheese. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream, chipotle mayo, or crema.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over the assembled tacos and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the zesty, spicy flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your preference.
- Marinating shrimp longer than 30 minutes can cause them to become mushy due to the acidity from lime juice.
- To make skewering easier, use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling.
- Serve with extra lime wedges for added tanginess.
