These Blackened Shrimp Tacos are bursting with flavor! The shrimp are coated in a tasty blend of spices, giving them a nice smoky kick.
Topping it with fresh veggies and zesty sauce makes each bite a little adventure. I love serving these with a side of chips and salsa for extra crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great for this recipe. If frozen, make sure to thaw them completely. For a twist, feel free to use fish like cod or tilapia instead; just cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a deep, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine but may lack that smokiness. Adjust cayenne pepper based on your heat liking—leave it out if you prefer milder tacos!
Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and work well too. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are your best bet!
Cabbage: You can mix and match different types of cabbage. Red cabbage adds great color, but green cabbage or even shredded lettuce does just fine. For a bit of sweetness, add some diced mango or pineapple!
How Do I Get the Perfect Blackened Shrimp?
Getting that perfect blackened shrimp is all about high heat and timing. Here’s an easy way to achieve it:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s really hot. This helps create that desired blackened crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and better browning.
- Watch the time carefully—2 minutes per side is usually enough. You want them opaque with a nice char.
Allow the shrimp to rest off the heat for a minute before serving. This helps to lock in the delicious juiciness!
Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- For The Tacos:
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. In about 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying delicious, flavorful tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This is your blackening spice mix that will give your shrimp that delicious flavor!
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil or melted butter until they are well coated. Then sprinkle the spice mix over the shrimp and toss again until each piece is covered in spice.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Once heated, add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have a nice char from the spices. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Spicy Lime Crema:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using) to create your spicy lime crema. Taste and adjust the lime juice as you like!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
To warm the tortillas, you can either heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
On each warmed tortilla, spread a little of the spicy lime crema. Next, add a mix of the shredded green and purple cabbage. Top with 3-4 pieces of the blackened shrimp.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the tacos with fresh chopped cilantro and serve them with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before eating for that extra zing!
Enjoy your flavorful Blackened Shrimp Tacos with a burst of spice, fresh crunch, and citrus zing!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or want to avoid mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It provides creaminess and a nice tang. You can also make a simple avocado crema by blending mashed avocado with lime juice and a bit of water for a lighter sauce.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the blackened shrimp and spicy lime crema in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, just warm the shrimp in a skillet and assemble the tacos!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the shrimp and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to two days, while the tortillas are best eaten the same day. Reheat the shrimp quickly in a skillet before serving for the best taste and texture!
