With smoky, savory grilled shrimp and fresh, zesty toppings, these grilled shrimp tacos are sure to impress. Rich in vitamins and low in calories, shrimp is an excellent source of protein. Here, fresh shrimp joins fresh cabbage and other toppings for a delicious, healthy dinner. These tacos are incredibly quick to prepare, making them a fantastic option for a busy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t put the grill away for the season without first trying this easy, fresh, and vibrant meal.
Recipe for Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas (flour tortillas also work)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for garnish
Optional toppings:
- Salsa (pico de gallo or your favorite salsa)
- Hot sauce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan
While the shrimp marinades, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Shrimp
Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Place the shrimp on the grill or grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are opaque and have a nice char. Remove the shrimp from the grill and set them aside.
4. Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp is grilling, warm the tortillas by placing them directly on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side or until lightly charred.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Place a few grilled shrimp onto each tortilla. Top them with a handful of shredded cabbage, a sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese, and some fresh cilantro. Add a couple of avocado slices and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up.
6. Add Your Favorite Toppings
For extra flavor, add your favorite toppings like salsa, sriracha mayo, sliced jalapeños, or your go-to hot sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Go tropical: For a sweet twist, add a mango or pineapple salsa to complement the savory shrimp.
- Serving Suggestions: Grilled shrimp tacos pair well with Mexican street corn (elote), chips and guacamole, or a simple black bean salad.
Find Fresh, Never Frozen Shrimp at The Butcher Shop
Grilled shrimp tacos are a fantastic way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table with minimal effort. Make sure it’s the freshest flavor with The Butcher Shop. Our Sea of Cortez shrimp is always fresh and never frozen. Stop by Monday, Wednesday, or Friday when our seafood shipments come in straight from nearby coastal towns so you can put the absolute freshest seafood on your family’s table. TBS also carries local produce, freshly baked bread, and everything you need to make it a meal. Visit our website for more information, or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.