Tangy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe: A Splash of Coastal Magic

Summertime brings out the best in coastal cooking, with these mouthwatering grilled shrimp tacos bursting with zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh jumbo shrimp marinated in a tangy blend of citrus and spices turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Crisp tortillas cradle succulent seafood, promising a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of smoky grilled shrimp and bright, fresh ingredients.

The recipe transforms simple components into a vibrant feast that celebrates bold, oceanic deliciousness.

Effortless to prepare and stunning to serve, these tacos will become your new go-to summer meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Bring the taste of coastal cuisine right to your kitchen and watch these tacos steal the show.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Tips To Take Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Over The Top

For Marinade and Flavoring:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and adds rich, smooth undertones to the shrimp.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens flavors and tenderizes the shrimp with its zesty acidity.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic kick and classic savory depth.
  • Chili Powder: Delivers warm, slightly spicy background notes.
  • Cumin: Adds earthy, smoky undertones characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
  • Paprika: Contributes subtle sweetness and vibrant reddish color.
  • Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.
For Protein:
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking seafood that absorbs marinade beautifully and offers tender, sweet flesh.
For Taco Assembly:
  • Tortillas: Soft, pliable corn or flour base that serves as the vessel for delicious fillings.
  • Cabbage/Slaw: Provides fresh, crunchy texture and cooling contrast to spiced shrimp.
  • Avocado: Creamy element that adds rich, buttery smoothness.
  • Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish that introduces fresh, lively flavor.
  • Lime Wedges: Adds final zesty punch and enhances overall taste complexity.
For Serving Sauce:
  • Sauce: Creamy or tangy condiment that complements grilled shrimp and adds moisture to tacos.

Creative Ways To Serve Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

  • Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for perfectly cooking shrimp with beautiful char marks.
  • Skewers: Help manage shrimp while grilling, optional but recommended for easier handling.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for marinating shrimp with spices and oil.
  • Tongs: Critical for flipping shrimp and tortillas safely on hot grill.
  • Cutting Board: Used for preparing toppings like avocado and cilantro.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for slicing avocado, chopping cilantro, and preparing garnishes.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure spices for marinade.

How To Store Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Like A Pro

  • Whip Up the Marinade

Blend zesty olive oil, tangy lime juice, minced garlic, and spicy seasonings in a bowl. Toss fresh shrimp until they’re beautifully coated. Let them soak up those amazing flavors for 10-15 minutes while you get everything else ready.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to medium-high heat. Slide shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grates. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous pink and look perfectly opaque.

  • Toast the Tortillas

Quickly warm tortillas on the grill for about 20 seconds per side. They should get slightly charred and extra delicious.

  • Create Your Taco Masterpiece

Layer each tortilla with a smear of creamy sauce. Top with crisp cabbage, those juicy grilled shrimp, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze a zingy lime wedge over the top for extra punch.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Plate these mouthwatering tacos immediately. Offer extra sauce and lime wedges so everyone can customize their meal.

All You Need For Grilled Chicken Caprese

  • Marination Magic: Let shrimp soak up flavor by marinating for no longer than 15 minutes to prevent raw seafood texture breakdown.
  • Skewer Success: Use metal skewers to prevent wooden skewers from burning and ensure even grilling of delicate shrimp.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap corn tortillas for lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños for extra heat or reduce for mild flavor preferences.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for vegetarian/alternative protein options that maintain the taco's zesty profile.

Tools That Bring Grilled Chicken Caprese To Life

  • Coastal Fiesta Plating: Arrange tacos on a rustic wooden board with bright lime wedges scattered around, creating a vibrant and inviting presentation that screams summer beach vibes.
  • Fresh Taco Bar Spread: Set up a DIY taco station with separate bowls of toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, extra sauce, and lime wedges, letting guests customize their own shrimp tacos.
  • Refreshing Companion Drink: Pair these tacos with a chilled Mexican beer, crisp white wine, or a zesty margarita to complement the bold, tangy flavors of the grilled shrimp.
  • Summer Backyard Feast: Serve these tacos as part of a larger outdoor meal with grilled corn, black bean salad, and tropical fruit salsa for a complete, crowd-pleasing spread that celebrates fresh seafood and bright ingredients.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Caprese The Easy Way

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep marinated shrimp refrigerated and covered for up to 2 hours before grilling. Fresh shrimp loses quality quickly, so plan to consume within 1-2 days of purchase.
  • Leftover Brilliance: Store unused grilled shrimp in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 23 hours. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
  • Tortilla Tactics: Wrap corn or flour tortillas in damp paper towels, then plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 23 days. Warm briefly on skillet or microwave before serving to restore softness.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Chop toppings like cabbage, cilantro, and slice avocado up to 4 hours in advance. Keep separated in sealed containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
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Tangy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Tangy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Zesty Mexican grilled shrimp tacos bring coastal flavors to weeknight dinners. Quick marinade and charred tortillas create a simple, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lime wedges
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce or sriracha
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Marinade Creation: Vigorously whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant flavor base.
  2. Shrimp Preparation: Completely immerse raw shrimp in the zesty marinade, ensuring thorough coating, and let the seafood absorb the robust flavors for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Grilling Setup: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high, creating an ideal searing environment for perfect shrimp texture and caramelization.
  4. Cooking Process: Carefully thread marinated shrimp onto skewers or place directly on hot grill grates, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp transform to pink and develop a translucent appearance.
  5. Tortilla Warming: Quickly toast tortillas on the grill for 20-30 seconds per side, developing subtle char marks and enhancing their pliability.
  6. Taco Assembly: Layer tortillas with a delicate sauce base, top with crisp cabbage or slaw, and strategically arrange grilled shrimp for optimal presentation.
  7. Final Garnishing: Embellish tacos with creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro leaves, and a vibrant lime juice drizzle for a burst of brightness.
  8. Serving Recommendation: Present tacos immediately, accompanied by additional sauce and lime wedges, inviting diners to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

  • Marinate Mindfully: Limit shrimp marination to 15 minutes maximum to prevent lime juice from “cooking” the protein and making texture rubbery.
  • Grill with Precision: Ensure grill surface is hot but not scorching to achieve perfect caramelization without burning delicate shrimp.
  • Tortilla Technique: Briefly warm tortillas to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking, but avoid over-grilling which can make them brittle.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap corn tortillas for lettuce wraps to create a low-carb version, or use gluten-free tortillas for sensitive diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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