Get ready to transport your taste buds to a sunny seaside taqueria with these incredible Smoky & Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos! Imagine plump, juicy shrimp, perfectly charred on the grill and kissed with smoky spices, nestled into warm tortillas and drizzled with a creamy, tangy chipotle-lime crema. This recipe shines with its vibrant flavors and how quickly it comes together, making it a true weeknight hero. Perfect for your next Taco Tuesday, a fun weekend gathering, or anytime you crave a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that feels like a mini-vacation. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up these restaurant-quality tacos right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins (includes marinating time)
Total Time: 30-35 mins (includes grilling and assembly)
Servings: 2-3 (makes about 6-8 tacos)
Ingredients:
For the Smoky Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 lb Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
For the Chipotle-Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1-2 tsp Adobo Sauce, from a can of chipotle peppers
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
- Pinch of Salt
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 6-8 Small Corn or Flour Tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cabbage, or coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese (optional garnish)
- Lime Wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
- Prepare Chipotle-Lime Crema: While the shrimp marinate, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), adobo sauce (or minced chipotle), 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Grill Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using). Place the shrimp directly on the preheated grill grates or grill pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook, as they cook quickly!
- Warm Tortillas: While the shrimp are grilling (or just after), warm your tortillas. You can do this by placing them directly on the grill for about 15-30 seconds per side, in a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave.
- Assemble Tacos: To assemble your tacos, lay out the warm tortillas. Fill each with a portion of the grilled shrimp, a generous helping of shredded cabbage, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle the tacos generously with the chipotle-lime crema. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your smoky grilled shrimp tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Get ready for applause!
Recipe Notes:
- Shrimp Selection: Large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) work best as they are easier to grill and stay juicy. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) are both fine.
- Grilling Know-How: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully to get those nice char marks. You can also pan-sear the shrimp in a regular skillet.
- Crema Consistency & Spice: If your crema is too thick, whisk in a tiny bit of water or more lime juice until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. Adjust the amount of adobo sauce or chipotle pepper to control the heat.
- Tortilla Tips: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. Corn tortillas, especially, benefit from a good char.
- Topping Power: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Sliced avocado, diced red onion, pickled jalapeños, or a fresh mango salsa would all be delicious additions.
- Make-Ahead Components: The chipotle-lime crema can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be marinated up to 30 minutes ahead.
- Spice Level: The smoked paprika adds smokiness, not much heat. The chili powder and chipotle in the crema provide the main warmth. Adjust these to your preference.
There you have it – a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying batch of Smoky & Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos! These are perfect for bringing a burst of sunshine to your table, any night of the week. We hope you enjoy every smoky, tangy, and delicious bite! Happy grilling!
