Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Short description

These Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos bring together smoky char, zesty heat, and fresh toppings in every bite. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a chili‑lime blend, grilled to perfection, and nestled in warm tortillas with crisp slaw and creamy sauce. A quick and vibrant meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and vibrant flavors from a simple chili‑lime marinade

• Quick and easy to prepare—shrimp grill in minutes

• Fresh ingredients and crunchy slaw balance the spice

• Ideal for casual entertaining or a fun family meal

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Olive oil

• Fresh lime juice

• Chili powder

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper

• Corn or flour tortillas

• Red cabbage, thinly sliced

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Cilantro, chopped

• Avocado slices

• Sour cream or Mexican crema

• Hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo (optional)

directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper to form the marinade.

2. Add the shrimp, tossing to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.

3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.

4. Thread shrimp onto skewers (if using) or lay them directly on the grill. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking.

5. While shrimp grill, combine sliced cabbage and onion with cilantro in a bowl. Optionally toss with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of salt.

6. Warm tortillas on the grill or stovetop until lightly charred and pliable.

7. Assemble tacos: place slaw on each tortilla, top with grilled shrimp, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream or crema. Add hot sauce or chopped chipotle peppers if desired.

8. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

Servings and timing

• Makes approximately 4 servings (about 8 tacos).

• Active prep time: 15 minutes (plus 15–30 minutes marination).

• Cooking time: 10 minutes.

• Total time: 40–55 minutes depending on marination length.

Variations

• Mild version: Reduce chili powder and omit hot sauce or chipotle; serve with a citrusy slaw dressing.

• Creamy slaw: Mix mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and cabbage for a richer topping.

• Grilled pineapple salsa: Add chopped grilled pineapple, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro for a sweet‑spicy twist.

• Chipotle yogurt sauce: Blend Greek yogurt with chipotle in adobo and lime juice for tangy heat.

• Corn salsa topping: Add fresh corn kernels, jalapeños, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice as a topping.

storage/reheating

• Shrimp: Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Tortillas and slaw: Keep slaw separately in the fridge; tortillas can be wrapped in foil or plastic.

• To reheat shrimp: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes, or microwave briefly in short increments to avoid overcooking.

• Reassemble before serving: Prepare tacos fresh to maintain crunch and avoid sogginess.

FAQs

What type and size of shrimp should I use?

Use medium to large shrimp (e.g. 16–20 count per pound) for the best texture and grillability.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even seasoning and proper grilling.

How long can I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes. Beyond that, the acid in lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and alter texture.

Can I bake or pan‑cook the shrimp instead of grilling?

Yes. You can broil shrimp on high for 2–3 minutes per side or sauté them in a skillet until cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes, if you use corn tortillas and ensure that all seasonings or sauces are gluten‑free.

How spicy is the finished taco?

Moderately spicy. Adjust the amount of chili powder, hot sauce, or skip chipotle peppers to suit your heat preference.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. If using a creamy dressing, toss just before serving to maintain crunch.

What can I serve alongside these tacos?

Consider serving rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.

How can I make it dairy‑free?

Use dairy‑free sour cream or crema, or substitute with mashed avocado or a lime‑garlic olive oil drizzle.

Can these be made ahead for meal prep?

You can grill shrimp and store components separately, but it’s best to assemble tacos just before eating to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

These Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos offer a delicious balance of heat, char, and freshness in every bite. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, they deliver bold flavor without a fuss. Perfect for casual dinners or entertaining, they’re adaptable to a variety of dietary needs or taste preferences. Enjoy building your tacos and savoring each smoky, zesty bite.