Description
These Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos feature juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices, grilled to perfection and served on warm corn tortillas with fresh cabbage, avocado, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal with a kick of heat and vibrant textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tacos and Toppings
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- Optional: Sour cream or crema for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss until each shrimp is evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes, ensuring the flavors penetrate without making the shrimp too acidic.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat in preparation for cooking the shrimp and warming tortillas.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers to facilitate easy grilling, or alternatively use a grilling basket if preferred.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp is cooking, place the corn tortillas on the grill and warm each side for approximately 30 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Remove the shrimp from skewers and place a few on each warm tortilla. Top with shredded red cabbage, sliced avocado, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro to add crunch and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or crema for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Do not marinate shrimp for more than 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming tough or overly acidic.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.
- The tacos can be customized with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or pickled onions for extra flavor.
