Elevate your taco night with these vibrant and delicious Grilled Shrimp Tacos! Juicy shrimp are marinated in a zesty blend of spices, then grilled to perfection and tucked into warm tortillas. Topped with a refreshing slaw and a drizzle of tangy lime crema, these tacos are bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into this tasty, easy-to-make recipe!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (red, green, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Diced avocado, for topping
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Slaw:
- While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Make the Lime Crema:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the grill.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each warm tortilla with a few grilled shrimp. Top with the prepared slaw, a drizzle of lime crema, and diced avocado. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
How to Prepare
These grilled shrimp tacos are all about layering fresh, bold flavors. The marinade gives the shrimp a zesty kick, while the slaw adds crunch and a hint of brightness. The lime crema ties everything together with its creamy, tangy goodness. Serve these tacos with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or a simple corn salad for a complete meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
- What can I serve with these tacos? Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salsa would make great accompaniments.
- Can I cook the shrimp on a stovetop? Yes, you can cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the shrimp, slaw, and crema separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently before assembling.
- Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Try adding pickled onions, jalapeño slices, or cotija cheese for extra flavor.