Before diving into the deliciousness of blackened shrimp tacos, let’s explore some fantastic pairings that will elevate your meal. First up, consider a vibrant, refreshing Mango Salsa. The sweetness of mango balances the spices beautifully and adds a tropical flair.
Next, you’ll want to serve these tacos with a side of Mexican Street Corn (Elote). The creamy, cheesy goodness of elote complements the tacos well, bringing a delightful crunch.
If you want something light and fresh, try a Chickpea Salad loaded with colorful veggies and a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is a great way to add some extra fiber and protein to your meal.
Lastly, don’t forget about drinks! A Zesty Limeade or a classic Margarita will make the perfect companions for the smoky flavor of the shrimp.
When the sun is shining again and the grill calls out to me, there’s one dish that makes my taste buds dance—blackened shrimp tacos. These colorful, flavorful delights are not just a meal; they’re an experience! The crispy tortillas cradle perfectly seasoned shrimp, ready to ignite a fiesta in your mouth. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good taco?
During backyard cookouts or casual weeknight dinners, these tacos have become a staple for my family and friends. They provide a punch of flavor that’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a chance to get creative with toppings. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this fantastic dish.
What is Blackened Shrimp Taco?
The blackened shrimp taco recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that showcases shrimp cooked with a Cajun-style seasoning blend. These shrimp are cooked until perfectly charred, creating a crispy outside while staying juicy on the inside. When wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with fresh ingredients, you get a mouthwatering dish that suits any palate. Serve these tacos with a zesty slaw and you’re in for a treat!
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Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s straightforward and quick. The blend of spices amps up the shrimp’s natural flavor while cooking time is minimal. This way, you can whip them up even on busy nights. Furthermore, the contrast between the blackened shrimp and the fresh toppings creates a balanced taste that leaves you wanting more.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons Cajun-style seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (adds a tangy kick)
- 4 fajita-sized corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup zesty cilantro-lime slaw (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced jalapeño (if you like heat)
- Creamy avocado slices
- Crumbled queso fresco (for that salty finish)
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Taco?
Now that we have everything ready, let’s bring these shrimp tacos to life! Here’s a quick overview: we’ll season, cook, and assemble our tacos in just a few steps. Now, let’s break it down.
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Begin by rinsing your shrimp under cold water. This helps to remove any residual grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel. You want the seasoning to stick well, and wet shrimp won’t help with that. In a mixing bowl, combine your drained shrimp with two tablespoons of olive oil, three and a half tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Toss them around until all shrimp are well-coated. This vibrant mix will create that signature blackened flavor!
Step 2: Heating the Skillet
Heat a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot—this step is crucial. You want that sizzle when the shrimp hit the pan! Add a touch more olive oil, if needed, to make sure it coats the bottom of the pan evenly.
Step 3: Cooking Shrimp
Once your skillet is hot enough, place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Allow them to cook without moving them around for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to see a beautiful crust forming. Flip them over and let them cook for another couple of minutes. The shrimp should look pink and opaque when done.
Step 4: Warming the Tortillas
While the shrimp are cooking, it’s time to warm the tortillas. You can do this directly over the flame of a gas stove with tongs or on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds each side. This will make the tortillas pliable and enhance their flavor.
Step 5: Assembling the Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with that zesty cilantro-lime slaw—don’t skimp! Add your fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño (if you fancy it spicy), creamy avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve your tacos fresh off the skillet—there’s nothing quite like the contrast of hot shrimp and the cool toppings. Dig in and enjoy!
Tips
To up your taco game, consider these pro tips:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh over frozen when possible. Fresh shrimp have a firmer texture and better flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than browning.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Cajun seasoning based on personal preference.
- Make a Dressing: Drizzling a lime crema over the tacos adds creaminess and tang. Mix sour cream with lime juice and zest for a quick dressing.
- Experiment with Tortilla Types: Try whole wheat or even flavored tortillas for different tastes and textures.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftovers (although they are hard to resist), store the shrimp and toppings separately. Place any remaining shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The slaw and toppings should be stored separately to maintain their freshness. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a skillet for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
How Would I Recommend Serving Blackened Shrimp Taco?
When you serve these tacos, consider these ideas to make the experience even better:
- With a Side of Rice: Cilantro-lime rice pairs well with the shrimp and adds more sustenance to your meal.
- As a Taco Bar: Prepare all taco ingredients separately. This way, guests can customize their own—fun for parties!
- Accompanied by a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances out the spiciness.
- With Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips and a zesty salsa serve as an excellent appetizer while keeping the theme consistent.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
Sometimes the grocery store doesn’t have what you need. Here are some substitutes:
- Shrimp: Chicken breast or tofu can be used if you want a different protein source. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cajun Seasoning: If unavailable, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder for a similar taste profile.
- Cilantro-Lime Slaw: Try a regular cabbage slaw or Greek yogurt-based dressing for creamy texture.
- Tortillas: Lettuce wraps make a fantastic low-carb alternative to tortillas. Fresh romaine or butter lettuce works best!
Blackened Shrimp Taco Recipe
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
- paper towel
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 1/2 tablespoons Cajun-style seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 fajita-sized corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup zesty cilantro-lime slaw
- Fresh cilantro leaves sliced jalapeño, creamy avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco, for topping
Instructions
- Now that we have everything ready, let’s bring these shrimp tacos to life! Here’s a quick overview: we’ll season, cook, and assemble our tacos in just a few steps. Now, let’s break it down.
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
- Begin by rinsing your shrimp under cold water. This helps to remove any residual grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel. You want the seasoning to stick well, and wet shrimp won’t help with that. In a mixing bowl, combine your drained shrimp with two tablespoons of olive oil, three and a half tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Toss them around until all shrimp are well-coated. This vibrant mix will create that signature blackened flavor!
Step 2: Heating the Skillet
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot—this step is crucial. You want that sizzle when the shrimp hit the pan! Add a touch more olive oil, if needed, to make sure it coats the bottom of the pan evenly.
Step 3: Cooking Shrimp
- Once your skillet is hot enough, place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Allow them to cook without moving them around for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to see a beautiful crust forming. Flip them over and let them cook for another couple of minutes. The shrimp should look pink and opaque when done.
Step 4: Warming the Tortillas
- While the shrimp are cooking, it’s time to warm the tortillas. You can do this directly over the flame of a gas stove with tongs or on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds each side. This will make the tortillas pliable and enhance their flavor.
Step 5: Assembling the Tacos
- Now comes the fun part—assembly! Place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with that zesty cilantro-lime slaw—don’t skimp! Add your fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño (if you fancy it spicy), creamy avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco.
Step 6: Enjoy!
- Serve your tacos fresh off the skillet—there’s nothing quite like the contrast of hot shrimp and the cool toppings. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh over frozen when possible. Fresh shrimp have a firmer texture and better flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than browning.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Cajun seasoning based on personal preference.
- Make a Dressing: Drizzling a lime crema over the tacos adds creaminess and tang. Mix sour cream with lime juice and zest for a quick dressing.
- Experiment with Tortilla Types: Try whole wheat or even flavored tortillas for different tastes and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these tacos spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper in your seasoning or add hot sauce to the slaw for an extra kick.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply choose corn tortillas instead of flour ones to keep it gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this in advance?
You can marinate the shrimp in advance, but cook them shortly before serving for the best results.
4. What if I’m not a fan of shrimp?
No problem! Substitute with chicken, beef, or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious alternative.
5. How can I enhance the flavor of the slaw?
To amp it up, add chopped jalapeños or diced mango for sweetness and heat.
6. How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp turn from gray to pink when cooked. They also curl into a C shape. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become rubbery.
Conclusion
Blackened shrimp tacos are not just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavor, color, and creativity. Their versatility and ease make them the perfect choice for any occasion, from weekday dinners to festive gatherings. By following this recipe and tips, you’ll not only prepare delicious tacos but also create memorable experiences with family and friends. So, whip them up, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy every single bite. Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more