Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s get everything ready. These grilled shrimp tacos require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s a list of what you need:

For the Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Taco Assembly:

• 8 small soft corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if you prefer)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (or lettuce)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for some heat)

These ingredients come together to create a taco that’s bursting with flavor, crunch, and a touch of zest. The shrimp are marinated in a simple yet flavorful mix of spices, grilled to perfection, and topped off with fresh ingredients that complement the smoky shrimp. The sauce brings it all together with a creamy and tangy finish.

Preparing the Shrimp: The Key to Flavorful Tacos

Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. How do you get shrimp that’s both tender and packed with flavor? The answer lies in the seasoning and the grilling process.

Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the seasoning sticks well to the shrimp and that they cook evenly. Once they’re dry, toss the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget the lime juice—it adds a refreshing zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with the smoky grilled shrimp.

Let the shrimp marinate for about 10–15 minutes. This doesn’t need to be a long process, as shrimp absorb flavor quickly. While the shrimp are marinating, you can prepare your toppings and sauce.

Grilling the Shrimp: Perfectly Tender and Juicy

Grilling shrimp may seem like a quick process, but there’s an art to getting it just right. You want the shrimp to be perfectly cooked—tender, juicy, and slightly charred on the outside. So, how do you achieve this?

First, heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat as well. Thread the shrimp onto skewers (this makes flipping them easier) or place them directly on the grill if they’re large enough to avoid falling through the grates. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a nice pink color and are opaque in the center.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. A good rule of thumb is to remove them from the grill as soon as they’re opaque and slightly curled up.