Description
Succulent grilled shrimp tacos bring zesty Mexican coastal flavors to your dinner table. Quick weeknight magic happens when fresh prawns meet warm tortillas, cilantro, and tangy lime for a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Taco and Topping Ingredients:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges
Optional Sauce:
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
- Immerse shrimp in the seasoned mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors for 10-15 minutes while preparing additional components.
- Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for the seafood.
- Carefully transfer marinated shrimp onto skewers or directly onto the hot grill grates, maintaining an even cooking surface.
- Grill the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a pink, opaque transformation that signals perfect doneness.
- Quickly toast tortillas on the grill for 20-30 seconds per side, achieving a slight char and warm, pliable texture.
- Construct tacos by spreading a layer of sauce across each tortilla, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Layer cabbage or slaw as the first substantial topping, providing crunch and freshness.
- Arrange grilled shrimp atop the slaw, distributing them evenly across the tortilla.
- Garnish with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Finish with a zesty lime squeeze to brighten the entire dish.
- Present immediately, offering extra sauce and lime wedges on the side for personalized enhancement.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Let shrimp absorb flavors by marinating exactly 10-15 minutes to prevent lime juice from “cooking” the seafood and making it tough.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil grill grates or use a grill mat to ensure shrimp don’t tear when flipping, maintaining perfect texture and presentation.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap corn tortillas for lettuce wraps for low-carb version, or use gluten-free tortillas for celiac-friendly alternative.
- Quick Cooking Hack: Use metal skewers for even cooking and easier handling, or wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg