Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that combines succulent grilled shrimp with vibrant toppings, wrapped in soft tortillas. These tacos are perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
The shrimp are marinated in a blend of lime, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, slightly charred taste. Paired with fresh toppings like cabbage slaw, avocado, and a creamy sauce, each bite is a balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors. These tacos are not only delicious but also light and healthy, making them a go-to for seafood lovers.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. The grilled shrimp cook in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy nights, yet the combination of spices, lime, and toppings makes every bite feel like a special occasion. The tacos are fresh, light, and satisfying without being heavy.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Flavorful, smoky, and zesty
- Perfect for weeknights, summer grilling, or parties
- Healthy and protein-packed
- Fun to assemble with your favorite toppings
Once you try these Grilled Shrimp Tacos, they’ll become a staple in your taco rotation.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican / American
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional Sauce
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Cooking Directions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Warm tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
- Prepare optional sauce by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder.
- Assemble tacos: place shredded cabbage on tortillas, top with grilled shrimp, avocado slices, sauce, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Marinate Shrimp: Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Toss shrimp and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Grill Shrimp: Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet.
- Prepare Toppings: Shred cabbage, slice avocado, chop cilantro, and make sauce if using.
- Assemble Tacos: Layer cabbage, shrimp, avocado, sauce, and cilantro on tortillas.
- Serve: Add lime wedges and enjoy immediately.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Serve immediately while shrimp and tortillas are warm
- Pair with Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh corn salad
- Add extra lime wedges for tanginess
- Serve with a light margarita or sparkling water for a festive touch
Recipe Tips
- Do not overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly
- Marinate shrimp for at least 20 minutes for flavor, but no longer than 30
- Use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill
- Warm tortillas for soft, pliable tacos
- Mix cabbage with a little lime juice for extra brightness
Variations (Detailed)
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Tropical Shrimp Tacos
Top with mango salsa or pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast.
Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Replace the basic sauce with a chipotle-lime mayo for smoky heat.
Low-Carb Version
Serve shrimp and toppings in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Cheesy Version
Sprinkle shredded cheese on tacos before adding sauce.
Freezing and Storage
Shrimp
- Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight before reheating
Tacos
- Assembled tacos are best served fresh; do not freeze fully assembled
Reheating
- Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat
- Warm tortillas separately before serving
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for sauce (optional)
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknights, summer grilling, or entertaining. With smoky, juicy shrimp, crisp cabbage, creamy sauce, and zesty lime, every bite is a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Quick, easy, and customizable, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that combines succulent grilled shrimp with vibrant toppings, wrapped in soft tortillas.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
For the Tacos
Optional Sauce
Instructions
-
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
-
Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes.
-
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
-
Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
-
Warm tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
-
Prepare optional sauce by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder.
-
Assemble tacos: place shredded cabbage on tortillas, top with grilled shrimp, avocado slices, sauce, and cilantro.
-
Serve immediately with lime wedges.
