Zesty Lime-Kissed Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

Summers burst with flavor when these zesty grilled shrimp tacos dance across your plate.

Fresh Gulf Coast shrimp sizzle with a perfectly balanced marinade that awakens every taste bud.

The bright, citrusy notes complement the succulent seafood in each mouthwatering bite.

Crisp corn tortillas cradle the spice-rubbed shrimp, creating a handheld feast that screams coastal cuisine.

Vibrant toppings add layers of texture and color to this simple yet spectacular dish.

You won’t find an easier recipe that delivers such explosive flavor in minutes.

Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Cook and Assemble Grilled Shrimp Tacos

• Whip Up the Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and blend olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices into a zesty coating for your shrimp. Toss the shrimp in this flavor bath and let them soak up the goodness for 10-15 minutes.

• Fire Up the Grill

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

• Toast the Tortillas

Give your tortillas a quick dance on the hot grill, about 20-30 seconds per side. They should warm up and get those gorgeous char marks.

• Create Your Taco Masterpiece

Spread a layer of sauce on each tortilla. Layer with crunchy cabbage, those juicy grilled shrimp, creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a zingy lime squeeze.

• Dive In

Serve these mouthwatering tacos right away. Offer extra sauce or lime wedges for guests to customize their plate.

Tips to Spice Up Grilled Shrimp Tacos Your Way

• Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Always purchase shrimp from a reliable source and ensure they smell fresh, not fishy, before marinating.
• Replace regular tortillas with corn tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that's equally delicious.
• Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños or hot sauce to increase heat, or remove spices completely for a milder version suitable for kids or those with sensitive palates.
• Marinate shrimp up to 2 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, and prep toppings beforehand to streamline meal preparation when entertaining guests.

Ways to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tacos on Taco Night

• Fresh Family Feast: Perfect for a lively weekend dinner with loved ones where everyone builds their own taco masterpiece.
• Colorful Gathering Plate: Arrange all toppings separately on a big platter so guests can customize their shrimp tacos with favorite ingredients and create personalized flavor combinations.
• Beachside Summer Meal: Pair these zesty tacos with cool margaritas, tropical music, and bright outdoor seating to transport your dining experience to a relaxed coastal setting.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra shrimp and keep pre-chopped toppings in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals or next-day lunch options that taste just as delicious.

Keep Grilled Shrimp Tacos Fresh for Leftovers

• Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for maximum 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep tortillas, toppings, and shrimp separately to prevent sogginess. Wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel or sealed plastic bag to maintain softness.
• Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best texture and flavor.
• Prepare marinade and chop toppings in advance. Store components in separate containers for quick assembly during busy weeknights. Shrimp can stay marinated for up to 24 hours before cooking for enhanced flavor infusion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Shrimp Tacos Start with These Key Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Creates silky, even coating that helps spices stick and prevents shrimp from drying out. Choose light, fresh extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty tang and helps tenderize shrimp. Select ripe, heavy limes with smooth skin for maximum juice.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic depth to marinade. Pick firm, plump garlic cloves without green sprouts.
• Chili Powder: Infuses warm, smoky heat and rich color. Look for high-quality, freshly ground blend.
• Cumin, Paprika: Provide earthy, smoky undertones that complement seafood. Select vibrant, fragrant spices without mustiness.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile and season shrimp thoroughly. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Shrimp: Delivers quick-cooking, tender seafood protein. Choose large, fresh wild-caught shrimp with firm texture and clean ocean scent.

• Tortillas: Creates soft, warm vessel for holding ingredients. Select fresh corn or flour tortillas without cracks.
• Cabbage/Slaw: Adds crisp, refreshing crunch and textural contrast. Pick vibrant, tightly packed cabbage.
• Avocado: Provides creamy, buttery richness. Choose ripe avocados that yield gently to pressure.
• Cilantro: Contributes bright, herbal freshness. Select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lime Wedges: Offers final zesty burst of citrus. Pick juicy, firm limes.

Kitchen Tools That Help Build Grilled Shrimp Tacos Fast

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving those perfect charred marks and smoky flavor on shrimp and tortillas.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for marinating shrimp with oil, spices, and lime juice.
• Skewers (optional): Helpful for easy grilling of shrimp if not placing directly on grates.
• Tongs: Great for flipping shrimp and tortillas safely on the grill.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately adding spices to marinade.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing avocado and preparing toppings.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Tangy Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos bring coastal flavors to your summer table. Crisp tortillas, perfectly charred shrimp, and zesty toppings create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 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
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Immerse shrimp in the mixture, ensuring complete coating. Allow flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes while preparing accompaniments and heating cooking surface.
2. Grilling Process: Ignite grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Carefully arrange shrimp on skewers or directly onto heated grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for pink coloration and translucent transformation, indicating perfect doneness.
3. Tortilla Warming: Briefly toast tortillas on grill for 20-30 seconds per side, developing slight char and enhancing flexibility and flavor profile.
4. Taco Assembly: Layer each warm tortilla with creamy sauce as foundation. Stack with crisp cabbage/slaw, perfectly grilled shrimp, creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro sprigs, and finish with zesty lime juice squeeze.
5. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately, accompanied by additional sauce and lime wedges to enhance individual taste preferences.

Notes

• Don’t exceed 15 minutes when marinating shrimp, as acidic lime juice can start breaking down delicate proteins and make them tough if left too long.
• Maintain medium-high heat to prevent overcooking shrimp, which turns rubbery and loses its sweet, tender texture when exposed to excessive heat.
• Choose plump, fresh shrimp with a mild sea scent; avoid any with ammonia-like odors indicating spoilage, ensuring the best flavor and food safety.
• Swap corn tortillas with lettuce wraps for low-carb versions, or use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg